How to Start Exercising Regularly and Not Quit

Getting into a consistent exercise routine and sticking with it long-term can be very challenging for many people. However, with some thoughtful planning, motivation techniques, accountability, and perseverance, it is absolutely possible to make exercise a regular non-negotiable part of your weekly schedule.

Set Realistic and Achievable Fitness Goals

One of the biggest reasons people end up quitting their workout program prematurely is because they set unrealistic fitness goals from the start. For example, vowing to go from zero exercise to 1-hour intense cardio every single day is a recipe for failure and frustration for most.

Instead, set small and gradual goals that slowly build your fitness level over time in a sustainable way. Start by exercising just 15-20 minutes a day, 2-3 days per week at a pace you find comfortable. Slowly increase duration to 30 minutes or add another workout day after a few weeks when it feels doable. Keep your workouts at a moderate intensity level rather than pushing extremely hard, especially while establishing the habit.

Remember that consistency is key even if that means slower progress. Dramatic overnight transformations often aren’t maintainable long-term. Have patience and focus on building an exercise habit that can fit into your life seamlessly.

Find Physical Activities You Genuinely Enjoy

Another factor that often derails new exercise programs is boredom and dread due to overly repetitive routines. Pick activities that align with your interests so exercise seems more appealing and less like a chore.

For example, if you enjoy being outdoors, consider running, hiking, cycling, group sports or outdoor adventure classes. If you like social interaction, join a recreational basketball league or take fun group fitness classes like Zumba, yoga, spin, martial arts at your local gym. Weight training, rowing, and swimming are great solo options for those who prefer focusing inward.

Aim to switch up your routine at least every few weeks to keep things feeling fresh and prevent boredom. Having exercise you look forward to makes sticking with it much easier.

Schedule Workout Sessions in Advance

Treat your workout sessions with the same level of importance as any other appointment or commitment by proactively scheduling them into your calendar. Decide the days and times you plan to exercise each week in advance, and enter them into your schedule as non-negotiable blocks of time. This prevents other obligations from encroaching on your fitness time.

Plan your workout blocks at times of day when you tend to have the most energy and motivation. For most people, first thing in the morning or during a lunch break are good options. If possible, try to exercise at the same time each day for consistency. But remain flexible for the occasional need to shift schedules. Planning ahead helps make exercise an undisputed fixture in your routine.

Track Progress to Stay Motivated

Having concrete evidence of your improving fitness can provide a tremendous motivational boost to keep at it. Use tools like fitness trackers, workout apps, a training journal, or a wall calendar to monitor key metrics like number of exercise sessions, distance covered, weight lifted.

Signing up for a charitable 5k or 10k race and training for it gives you a sense of purpose. Taking monthly progress pictures or checking body measurements also gives tangible proof of your hard work. Celebrate fitness milestones by treating yourself to a massage, new gym gear or weekend getaway. Seeing your results fuels further commitment.

Partner Up for Camaraderie and Accountability

Exercising alone day after day can sometimes sap your motivation over time. Consider recruiting a friend, co-worker or family member to be your gym buddy or accountabilibuddy. Sign up for classes together. Check in weekly about your progress. Share workout tips and encouragement.

Having an exercise partner provides social support, accountability and fun competition. It also makes it harder to skip workouts if someone is counting on you to show up. Surrounding yourself with positive people boosts enjoyment and adherence.

Accept and Recover Quickly from Occasional Setbacks

It’s inevitable that even the most dedicated exercisers will occasionally miss or cut short a workout due to outside circumstances – don’t let this derail your routine entirely. Forgive yourself for off days now and then. When injury, illness or trip disruptions arise, refocus on continuing with what you can do rather than dwelling on what you can’t.

Return to your exercise habit as soon as realistically possible, even if progress temporarily slows. Celebrate small wins like showing up again after a break. Staying positive and resilient will help you bounce back quickly from any hiccups.

If you adopt the right mindset and strategies, it is certainly possible to make consistent exercise a part of your lifestyle. Start small, be patient with yourself, focus on enjoyment and sustainability. Your improved energy, health and confidence levels will make the effort so worthwhile!