Top 5 tips for making a gym habit stick

Everyone has that annoying friend who never seems to miss a gym workout.

While it may seem they are just lucky and don’t have the obligations you do, chances are they probably do but have created a schedule and habits around exercise that works for them. More importantly, they’ve done it consistently enough to make it a routine and reap the benefits.

While different things appeal to different people, try integrating adapting some of these to see which work for you:

1) Schedule workouts first thing in the morning

You will boost your metabolism for the rest of the day, increase your energy, strengthen your will to stick with a healthy-eating plan, and you’ll have a better mood and sleep better.

First thing in the morning, you are less likely to be distracted by email, work calls or anything else that may come up.

Additionally, by working out early you will have less time before your workout to think about it and talk yourself into doing something else ‘more important’.

2) Recruit workout partners

Ask just about anyone what keeps them committed to fitness goals and invariably it involves other humans.

Whether it’s a gym buddy or workout partner another comrade will help keep you accountable, motivated and up to date on the latest goss if they like to chat!

Find the right partner or group and you might even start looking forward to workout time.

3) Find a class, routine or environment you like

By enjoying the instructor, environment or even fellow gym goers, it makes the sometimes unpleasant task of working out bearable.

Don’t end up feeling like a teenager being dragged to do something you don’t want to do at a place where you don’t want to be.

4) Set a goal

If you don’t have a goal (no matter how small) there isn’t a whole lot of motivation to get you working out. Goals don’t always have to be based on the aesthetic. Maybe you challenge yourself to go to the gym three times a week for six weeks or take one strength and one stretch class per week. Treat yourself to a facial or other reward if you make it.

5) Schedule rest days

Give yourself at least one or two days a week out of the gym to avoid burnout and injury. Maybe you like being outside so schedule a beach or park workout instead.

Remember the goal is to workout AND enjoy being healthy, so think what would make this less of a task for you.

What helps you maintain a regular fitness program? Please share in the comments below.

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19 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 28 Dec 2021
    9:10 am
Never had a gym habit and I know I never will. Its just not for me.

- - ella12 said
  - 16 Feb 2016
    3:11 pm
Yes, I think you have to be strict with a routine.

- - Nas01 said
  - 09 Dec 2015
    11:37 pm
I’ve never been able to stick to workout schedule. I blame the kids :).

- - mom101628 said
  - 19 Nov 2015
    10:47 pm
These hints have come in very handy for me now as I embark on a programme.

- - rovermum said
  - 19 Nov 2015
    9:17 am
I’m just not a gym person. I’m more a walker and have committed to walking 3 days a week for around 30 mins before I start work. The secret is to get up and showered and dress in my walking clothes. Then there’s no reason not to walk. I drop my son off at school, then come home grab my keys and phone and head off for my walk. I love it and am happy and proud to say that I have now stuck with it for 9 months. I miss it when I can’t do it for any particular reason. I love the sun, the blue sky, the serenity, the lake, the ducks, the environment. It’s my new exercise thing! I’ve also stuck with yoga once a week and an confident enough that I still go, even when my friend can’t make it. Feeling good about the walking and yoga in my life.

- - crystalangela said
  - 17 Nov 2015
    9:03 pm
I need to get back into my routine. It’s funny how easy it is to fall out of but not into.
- cloud break replied
  
  19 Nov 2015 , 8:59 pm
  It is much easier to stop than start Crystalangela – my advice is just start something tomorrow, no matter how small. Try adding in some extra minutes walking by parking farther away from the shops or work, take the stairs and start building up your routine from there.
- - mom94125 said
  - 17 Nov 2015
    3:46 pm
yes habit! get the workout in first! i agree with people putting it off though. get it out of the way and the rest of the day is yours!
- cloud break replied
  
  19 Nov 2015 , 9:00 pm
  Yes! Will power is stronger in the morning which makes it easier as well.
- - mom93821 said
  - 17 Nov 2015
    6:30 am
Good to find the right environment for exercise.

- - mum4107 said
  - 17 Nov 2015
    5:51 am
Fantastic tips if you have the time

- - cherz said
  - 16 Nov 2015
    4:41 pm
Handy points to follow and great tips.

- - mom90758 said
  - 16 Nov 2015
    4:04 pm
I don’t go to the gym but I walk outside with my dog every day, first thing in the morning. And I use my Garmin Vivofit to keep track of how much I walk. At least 10,000 steps a day.
- cloud break replied
  
  19 Nov 2015 , 9:03 pm
  That’s great, finding a routine your enjoy and can stick to is a big win!
- - mom81879 said
  - 16 Nov 2015
    1:39 pm
This is a very helpful read for me. I find it extremely difficult to stick to a workout plan. With these 5 tips, I hope to find it easier

- - mom165081 said
  - 16 Nov 2015
    12:58 pm
Must say that these ideas only work if you have the time and support at home. Its a nice ideal though.
- cloud break replied
  
  19 Nov 2015 , 9:10 pm
  You can modify these tips to fit any exercise routine. It might be varying the terrain you walk on or rallying a neighborhood walking group to aid accountability and help create a support network.
- - mom94378 said
  - 16 Nov 2015
    12:15 pm
Can be a challenge but you always are glad you went afterwards.

- - mom74640 said
  - 16 Nov 2015
    12:03 pm
Lke it