Struggling to stick to an exercise routine? You're not alone! Our experienced Exercise Physiologists know how challenging it can be to stay consistent, especially when life gets in the way. But we’re here to help you make exercise a regular, enjoyable part of your life. Discover our top 12 tips for building a routine that lasts.
The first step is always the hardest
Starting is often the toughest part. Life’s demands—whether it's work, family, mental health, or even finances—can make it difficult to stay committed. But the key to success is to start small. Even 5 minutes of movement is better than nothing! Think of it like your skin creating a callus: start small and over time your body adapts to the new activity. Push too hard too soon, and you risk burnout or injury—like a blister forming too quickly. So, don’t overextend yourself too early.
Here are some of our top tips from our Exercise Physiologists to help you overcome obstacles and make consistent movement a habit:
1. Keep an Activity Journal
Tracking your progress can be a great motivator. Just like keeping a diary, log how you feel before and after each session. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns and improvements that’ll keep you moving.
2. Enjoyable Environments
Your environment matters! If you love being near water, try pool exercises. If nature is your happy place, head out for a bushwalk. The key is to find spaces that make movement feel enjoyable, not like a chore.
3. Prioritise Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Movement is just one piece of the puzzle. Sleep well, have a stress relief plan in place to put the brakes on stressful events, and follow a balanced, sustainable diet.
4. Cut Back on Unhelpful Habits
Too much alcohol or smoking can drag you down. Reducing these can not only improve your overall health but make exercise easier and more enjoyable.
5. Try Group Exercise
Working out solo can sometimes feel isolating. Why not join a group? Exercising with others boosts motivation and makes it more fun. Plus, it adds a social element that can make all the difference.
6. Let Your Pet Motivate You
If you’ve got a pet, use them as your accountability partner! Daily walks or playtime are great ways to add movement to your day while keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.
7. Minimise Inactivity
If you’ve taken a break from exercise, ease back in. If you’ve been inactive for 7 days, aim for just 6 days next time. Small progress is still progress. Every little bit counts!
8. Use Calendars & Reminders
Like brushing your teeth or setting an alarm, make movement a part of your daily routine. Scheduling exercise time helps you stay on track without having to think twice about it.
9. Create a Plan with Realistic Goals
While it’s great to have big goals—like completing a 20km trek—breaking it down into smaller, more achievable steps will keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Start with a 1km walk and gradually build from there.
10. Boost Your Knowledge
Knowledge is power. Learn about the minimum weekly physical activity guidelines to understand how much movement your body needs to stay healthy. The more you know, the easier it becomes to stay on track.
11. Exercise Snacking
Just like snacks between meals, short bursts of movement throughout the day add up. Whether it’s doing push-ups while the kettle boils or stretching between meetings, “exercise snacking” can fit into even the busiest schedule.
12. Consult a Professional
If you’ve tried it all and still find it hard to stay consistent, don’t hesitate to seek help from an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. We can be a great coach and educator on your journey, ensuring that exercise becomes a lifelong habit.
Need personalised advice on making movement part of your life? Contact MyEP today for professional support and expert guidance.