The New Year is just around the corner. And with that comes an incredible phenomenon: Gym January. Everyone is talking about getting into shape, eating better, and exercising more. But by March, most people have completely stopped and are back to their previous-year habits. So, how do join the successful minority and stick to it?

The truth is, sticking to an exercise routine isn’t easy, especially if you’re just starting out. So here are five strategies that can help you stay motivated and on track:

1. Start small – don’t try to go from 0 to 60 overnight
2. Set realistic goals and track your progress over time
3. Find an exercise buddy or join a group fitness class
4. Make sure you have the right gear and equipment for your workouts
5. Reward yourself for sticking to your routine, even if it’s just a little something

Now, let’s dive into each one of those a little deeper.

1. Start Small

Don’t feel like you have to go from zero to sixty overnight. Focus on taking baby steps and forming good habits slowly. For example, if your goal is to run for 30 minutes a day, start by alternating 5 or 10 minutes of running with 5 or 10 minutes of walking, and gradually increase the length of your runs over time. This way, you’re building up strength and endurance while also increasing motivation, which will help you stay consistent.

Or if your goal is to strength train 5 days a week, start with just 2 days a week and build up from there. This will help make the process more manageable, allowing you to progress at your own pace and make adjustments as needed.

Set Realistic Goals and Track Your Progress Over Time

Once you’ve set your goals, it’s important to track your progress over time. This will help you identify which areas need improvement and stay motivated by seeing how far you’ve come. For example, maybe you want to run a 5K in three

2. Set Realistic Goals

When it comes to setting fitness goals, it’s important to be realistic and work towards achievable results. It’s better to set short-term, attainable goals that you can hit in a few weeks or months rather than long-term, grandiose ones. This will help keep you focused and motivated as you progress. Additionally, tracking your progress over time is an important step in sticking to your routine. Whether it’s tracking your workouts, measuring your weight loss progress, or recording how many miles you’ve run in a month, tracking your progress will help see where you’re at and remind you of why you started.

So, sit down and make a plan for yourself that is achievable. And when you hit a goal, pat yourself on the back and set another one.

3. Find an Exercise Buddy or Join a Group Fitness Class

If you’re struggling to stay motivated, having an exercise buddy or joining a group fitness class can be extremely helpful. When it comes to exercise buddies, make sure that they have similar goals and interests. This will help ensure that they are serious about their commitment to exercise as well and that you can support each other along the way.

And if you’re looking for a more organized approach, consider joining a group fitness class at your local gym or community center. Group classes provide structure and accountability while also being fun and social. Plus, the added competition from other members can give you the extra push that you need to stay on track with your goals.

4. Have the Right Gear and Equipment for Your Workouts

Having the right gear is essential for a successful workout routine. It’s amazing how much more motivated you’ll be to work out when you like the clothes you wear to work out. Additionally, having the right equipment to support your workouts is important.

For example, if you’re a runner, make sure you have a good pair of running shoes and any accessories like water bottles or earbuds that you need for a comfortable run. Or if you’re wanting to work on strength training, joining a gym or investing in a few pieces of equipment like dumbbells and kettlebells can make all the difference.

5. Reward Yourself for Sticking to Your Routine, Even If It’s Just a Little Something

Finally, it’s important to reward yourself for sticking to your routine. This will give you something to look forward to and help motivate you to keep going.

Rewards don’t have to be expensive or extravagant. For example, if your goal is to work out 4 times a week, reward yourself with a cup of coffee or a movie after each workout. Or if you’re trying to complete a 5K race in a certain amount of time, give yourself a small reward like a new pair of running shoes or a massage after you hit your goal.

These rewards can help keep you motivated and focused on the task at hand, which is making sure you stick to your exercise routine in order to reach your goals.

Final Thoughts

Sticking to an exercise routine can be difficult, but it’s definitely not impossible. By following the five strategies mentioned above and staying motivated, you will be on your way to achieving all of your fitness goals in no time. So, take a deep breath, get ready to break a sweat, and enjoy the journey!