Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health, but it can also be one of the hardest things to start. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably tried to start an exercise routine a million times, only to give up a few weeks later.

Why does this happen? Well, there are a lot of reasons - but one of the biggest ones is that people don’t know how to start an exercise routine in the first place! In this blog post, we will teach you how to start an exercise routine and stick to it for good.

Mental Preparation Before You Start an Exercise Routine

The first step to starting an exercise routine is mental preparation. You need to be in the right mindset before you even start thinking about working out. Ask yourself why you want to start exercising. Is it to lose weight? To get stronger? To have more energy?

Once you know your motivation, it will be easier to stay on track.

Another important part of mental preparation is setting realistic goals. If you’ve never exercised before, don’t expect to be able to run a marathon in a month! Start small and build up gradually.

Set a goal that you can realistically achieve, such as exercising three times a week for 30 minutes at a time.

Finally, make sure that you have a support system in place. Find a friend or family member who will be willing to work out with you, or join an exercise class. Having someone to help you stay accountable will make it more likely that you’ll stick to your routine.

Now that you’re mentally prepared, it’s time to start planning your routine!

Creating a Plan for Your Exercise Routine

The next step is to create a plan for your exercise routine. You need to decide when and where you’re going to exercise, as well as what type of activity you’re going to do.

If possible, try to schedule your workouts into your day so that they become part of your regular routine. For example, if you know you have some free time in the morning, plan to exercise then.

If you have trouble fitting exercise into your day, try exercises that can be done in short bursts, such as walking or jogging for a few minutes at a time.

As for choosing an activity, there are endless possibilities! You can go for a run, lift weights, do yoga, take a dance class - the options are endless.

The most important thing is to find something that you enjoy and that you can stick with long-term.

Starting Slow: Easing Into Your Exercise Routine

Now it’s time to start your exercise routine! But wait - don’t go too hard too fast. Remember, we want this to be something you can stick with long-term.

Ease into your routine by starting with just a few minutes of exercise at a time.

If you’re new to exercise, this will help your body get used to the new activity without feeling overwhelmed. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the amount of time you spend exercising.

It’s also important to focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to do three sets of ten push-ups with proper form than it is to do fifty sloppy ones. The key is to challenge yourself without going overboard - and that takes time!

How To Start an Exercise Routine

Here’s a simple beginner routine to get you started on your fitness journey:

Monday:

20 minutes of cardio (jogging, biking, swimming, etc.)

Tuesday: Rest day

Wednesday:

25 minutes of cardio + strength training (squats, lunges, push-ups, etc.)

Thursday:

Rest day

Friday:

30 minutes of cardio

Saturday:

Strength training (same as Wednesday)

Sunday: Rest day

Once you’ve been doing this routine for a while and are feeling more comfortable with the exercise, you can start to add in different activities or increase the time spent on each activity.

The most important thing is to find something that works for you and that you enjoy - so don’t be afraid to mix things up!

Sticking to Your Exercise Routine - Tips and Tricks

Now that you’ve created a plan and started your routine, it’s time to start sticking to it! Here are a few tips and tricks that can help:

Make sure you have the proper gear

If you’re going to be running outside, make sure you have a good pair of sneakers. If you’re lifting weights, invest in some quality equipment. The right gear will not only make your workouts more comfortable and will also help keep you safe.

Find a workout buddy

Having someone to work out with makes exercising more fun and it helps keep you accountable.

Set realistic goals

As mentioned before, don’t expect to be able to run a marathon in your first week of working out. Start small and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time.

Take rest days

It’s important to allow your body time to recover, especially if you’re just starting out. Rest days are an essential part of any exercise routine!

Reward yourself. When you reach a goal, reward yourself with something that you enjoy - like new workout clothes or a trip to the spa. This will help keep you motivated in the long run.

Don’t make newbie mistakes

Everyone was a beginner at first - don’t make these gym newbie mistakes.

Staying Motivated: Making Exercise a Habit

The final step is making sure that you stick with your exercise routine long-term. This can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. The key is to make exercise a habit.

One way to do this is by setting goals for yourself. As you achieve your short-term goals, challenge yourself with new ones. This will help keep you motivated and on track.

Another way to stay motivated is by keeping a positive attitude. Don’t focus on how hard it is or how much you hate working out - instead, think about the benefits that come from being active. Remind yourself why you decided to start exercising in the first place and use that motivation when times get tough.

Exercising regularly can be difficult, but it’s worth it in the end! By following these tips, you’ll be able to start an exercise routine that’s right for you - and stick to it. Good luck!

How To Start an Exercise Routine (Final Thoughts)

The most important thing to remember when starting an exercise routine is to be patient with yourself.

It takes time to see results, and there will be days (or even weeks) where you don’t feel like working out.

But if you stick with it, eventually it will become a habit. And that’s when the real magic happens.

So, how do you start an exercise routine? Just pick something that you enjoy doing and go from there. If you’re not sure where to start, consult a personal trainer or do some online research - you might like our 5 day a week workout routine or if you are looking for something a bit more gentle, we have a 30 min workout plan. There are plenty of resources out there that can help you get started on the right foot.

And finally, don’t forget to reward yourself for your hard work! Pat yourself on the back every time you hit a milestone, big or small.

Treat yourself to a new pair of sneakers, go out for dinner with your friends, or take a weekend trip.

Whatever you do, just make sure you enjoy the process.

After all, that’s what it’s all about!