Ever promised yourself you’d start running, only to quit a week later? Set a New Year’s resolution to hit the gym, only to give up before January ends? Spent money on a workout class that you stopped attending? If so, you’re not alone.
This is the reality for most people who try to start working out, and it was my reality up until August of 2023. It can be discouraging to see this pattern repeat, making many believe that fitness just isn’t for them. But while getting into the gym isn’t always easy, here are four tips to make the process smoother and more enjoyable!
Stop Going All In!
First, stop trying to go all in immediately! Too many people go from being sedentary to setting unrealistic goals like hitting the gym every day. In the era of social media, this is especially common—gym influencers showcase advanced workouts that are simply not beginner-friendly. In college, this was one of my biggest mistakes. On the rare occasion I found the motivation to work out, I’d go straight for heavy back squats, leaving me sore for a week! It’s nearly impossible to stay consistent when you can’t walk properly for three days after your workout.
I only started seeing success when I eased my way into working out. I opted for light weights, walks, and yoga—activities that got my body moving without overwhelming it. Because they left me feeling good, I was able to maintain consistency. The key takeaway? Start small with activities that feel good, and you’ll find it easier to build a lasting habit.
Don’t Try to Change Your Whole Life at Once!
Once you’ve stopped trying to go all in, the next step is to focus on small, manageable changes instead of overhauling your entire life at once. Too many people try to change everything at the same time: “I’m going to start eating healthy, working out, getting my 10k steps in, drinking more water…” and the list goes on. Unless you’re in a particularly vulnerable spot or have an iron will, this is an impossible task.
I didn’t change my whole life at once—I started by walking more and eating better. Once I felt the benefits of those small changes, I wanted to become more physically capable, so I started yoga at home. After seeing progress, I felt motivated to take things further, which led me to the gym. Over time, these small steps snowballed, and now, two years later, I work out five times a week and am training for a half marathon!
Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on one or two habits at a time. The success of small changes will naturally lead to bigger ones.
Find Something You Actually Like!!!
My final and most important tip: find something you actually like! Too many people force themselves into workouts they hate because “the results” are worth it. That might work temporarily, but in the long run, humans avoid things that feel bad. While there’s always a bit of discomfort in working out, the overall experience should be enjoyable.
My fitness journey is constantly evolving so I can explore new activities I enjoy, and I don’t force myself to stick to things I dislike. I don’t run because I want to look a certain way—I run because I love being outside and experiencing the physical sensations of running. I don’t lift weights just for muscle definition—I do it because it’s become a meditative, routine part of my life.
I genuinely believe there’s something for everyone, whether it’s running, lifting, boxing, pilates, HIIT classes, or something else. If you find an activity you actually enjoy, you’ll start looking forward to working out instead of dreading it!
Final Thoughts
Consistency doesn’t come from willpower alone—it comes from starting small, making gradual changes, and choosing something you enjoy. Instead of focusing on motivation, focus on sustainability. Try one of these strategies this week, and see how it changes your approach to fitness!
Leave a Reply