It can be difficult to stick with a workout routine long-term. But the key is starting small.

Walking for 15 minutes a day or beginning with lighter weights at the gym can be the perfect way to start your fitness journey. Ideally, you’ll want to work out three times per week and leave 48 hours of rest between each workout. This allows for proper recovery.

Choose the Right Equipment

One of the most important aspects of a successful gym exercise routine is having the right equipment. Whether you train at home, a commercial gym or another fitness facility, your gym equipment selection should be based on your goals and the space you have available. Choosing the wrong equipment can be expensive, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully.

For example, if you plan to use the treadmill as part of your workout, make sure that’s something you enjoy doing. Many people end up dropping a lot of money on treadmills and other equipment that they never actually use. That’s not to say you can’t have a complete home gym if that’s what suits your needs, but it’s important to think about how you will use your equipment before spending a lot of money.

Likewise, you want to choose the right gym equipment for your strength training. For instance, if you don’t have room at your house for free weights and barbells, consider purchasing a set of dumbbells or a compact cable machine. These machines offer a lot of versatility and will allow you to target muscles from every angle. When it comes to cardio, a basic treadmill can also be a great option. It’s not as intense as other options but it can get you moving and keep you on track with your goals.

Plan Your Workouts

A good exercise program includes a mix of cardiovascular, strength, balance and flexibility training. It should also include rest days and recovery exercises. You may be, or become, a member of a gym, or you may exercise at home or in a park. Whatever your fitness goals, you need to plan for the time and space you have available to work out.

Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply want to build muscle, it’s important that you find a workout routine that is fun. If you don’t enjoy it, chances are that you won’t stick with it for very long. Experiment with a variety of cardio exercises — running, swimming, biking, walking, rowing, the stairmaster — and even bodyweight exercise like pushups or crunches to see what you really enjoy.

Once you’ve found a routine that you actually look forward to, try making a schedule for your exercise. Block out the times you will work out on a piece of paper, then choose the workout or rest day that best fits your lifestyle. You can also use an app to keep track of your progress. Seeing your results in writing will be a huge motivation to continue your routine. But don’t be too harsh on yourself if you have to skip an exercise session now and then.

Be Consistent

Getting started with a fitness routine is exciting and rewarding. However, keeping a consistent schedule is one of the hardest things to do. Too many excuses can pile up and before you know it, you’ve missed a day, a week, or even a few weeks. This is a vicious cycle that can be very hard to break.

To avoid this trap, try to establish a habit with your workouts. Use triggers like putting your gym shoes by the door or scheduling your workouts on your calendar to make it a part of your daily routine. It also helps to have a coach or trainer who can provide structure and accountability. This will help you stick with your routine and achieve results.

Another way to be more consistent is to focus on quality over quantity when it comes to your workouts. Putting in too much volume increases your risk of injury and can lead to overtraining. Make sure you have a good balance of cardio, strength training, and flexibility workouts in your routine to keep you healthy and feeling strong.

Most importantly, be patient with yourself. It takes an average of 66 days for new behaviors to become automatic. If you’re having trouble staying on track, try changing your mindset, taking a few steps back, or making minor adjustments to your routine.

Take Rest Days

When you first start working out, it is tempting to want to do everything all the time. However, this can lead to burnout and injury. This is why it is important to take rest days from your gym exercise routine.

Resting gives your muscles a chance to recover from the micro tears caused by exercise, and it allows them to repair themselves so they can become stronger. In addition, rest days can also help you stay motivated.

When deciding on how often to rest, it is important to keep in mind that the amount of recovery time will vary from person to person. Some people may need more rest days than others, depending on their fitness level and how intense their workouts are.

If you are not sure how often to rest from your gym exercise routine, you can consult with a fitness professional. A personal trainer or exercise specialist will be able to give you advice and tips on how to best create an effective gym exercise routine for your unique needs.

Conclusion

It takes time to learn how to stick to a gym exercise routine, but the rewards are well worth it. Sticking with a gym exercise routine will help you achieve your fitness goals faster and make them more attainable. Remember to be patient and celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small.