With the new year comes a lot of goals and resolutions, and while I’m not a huge fan of resolutions (IYKYK- shoutout to my newsletter ladies), I do think setting some sort of goal or goals is important. Whether that’s creating a word for the year, an ins and outs list, or a simple list of goals, find what works best for you!
While we all have different goals, I think a very common New Year goal is to get our health and fitness on track. Maybe you’re just starting your journey and want to stick to it, or maybe you’ve been consistent for a while and want to keep it going. Exercise is a huge part of my life and something I’ve prioritized for a long time, so I thought it would be fun to share my top tips on starting and/or sticking to a workout routine! I’m not some major expert over here, but I do have a passion for health and fitness, so these are the things that have REALLY worked for me and kept me going all these years.
Keep reading for my top tips plus a few cute activewear picks I’m eyeing lately below!
Set Realistic Goals
Before fully jumping in, take a moment to define your fitness goals. Whether it’s shedding a few pounds, building muscle, or improving overall well-being, setting realistic and achievable goals will keep you motivated. And really be realistic!! It’s easy to think you’re going to go from 0 to 100 but real, lasting results take time. Don’t give up when you don’t immediately see or feel what you want, stick with it. I also would recommend breaking down your goals into smaller milestones- this will make them feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Do What You Love, Seriously
Forget the idea that working out has to be a chore! Find something you genuinely enjoy doing. Whether it’s pilates, biking, hiking, lifting weights, walking, yoga – the options are endless. The trick is to find something that you truly enjoy and makes you feel GOOD because then, you’ll keep coming back for more. Try out a bunch of different workouts until you find your thing. It might take some time and you might have to push through a few, but once you find something that you truly love, it will suddenly feel a lot less daunting and a lot easier to make it a part of your lifestyle.
Start Slow and Progress Gradually
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of starting a new workout routine, but remember that slow and steady wins the race. Start with manageable workout sessions and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness level improves. Pushing too hard too soon can lead to burnout and injury, so listen to your body and progress at a pace that feels comfortable.
Create a Consistent Schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to building a workout routine. Choose specific days and times for your workouts and treat them like appointments that cannot be missed! A shift in mindset is very important here. Think of it as something you are doing for yourself- special “you time” where you’re taking care of your physical and mental health. When you start considering your scheduled workout as self-care, not something daunting that you just want to get over with, it will be a lot easier to keep going. Overall, having a consistent schedule helps establish a routine, making it easier to stick to your fitness goals in the long run.
Mix It Up
Variety is key!! Keep things interesting by incorporating a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility workouts. Trying new activities not only prevents boredom but also challenges your body in different ways. Doing the same routine over and over and over gets old, and your body gets used to it.
Find Your Sweat Squad
Working out with a friend is like having a built-in hype squad. Find someone who’s up for the occasional gym selfie and maybe even a post-workout smoothie. It makes the whole process way more fun, and you’ve got someone to keep you motivated and hold you accountable!
At the end of the day, everyone’s experience is different, so find what works best for YOU. Don’t worry about everything being perfect, the key is just to start and keep going. You got this!
Psssttt… nothing gets you to a workout like some new, cute workout clothes, so find all of my latest faves below!