How I Started and Stuck to an Exercise Routine Long Term: A Personal Journey
Having an exercise routine was always one of my goals, but I struggled for years to maintain consistency. As soon as I felt bored, lost motivation, or stopped seeing results – I would quit.
But for the past two years I have stuck to a regular exercise regimen that has transformed my health and physique.
Why I Wanted an Exercise Routine: The Benefits Drove Me
When I was stuck in the cycle of on-and-off training, I envied people who exercised effortlessly as part of their lifestyle. I wanted that to be me too.
Here were my motivations:
Health Benefits
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Reduced stress and better mental clarity
- Higher energy levels
- Overall wellness and disease prevention
Physical Changes
- Lose weight and body fat
- Gain strength and muscle
- Improved endurance and cardio fitness
Happiness Hormones
- Mood boost from endorphins and dopamine release
- Confidence from seeing my body transform
Those potential benefits encouraged me to keep trying to make exercise stick.
How I Finally Stuck to a Long Term Exercise Regimen
Over the years I tried different programs, from CrossFit to yoga, running, and home workout videos. I learned a lot about what worked (and what didn’t) for me specifically along the way.
Here is what ultimately helped my exercise routine become consistent:
Choosing Enjoyable Workouts
I realized hating my workouts was sabotaging me. Now I exercise 3 days a week mixing:
- HIIT training – challenging but quick cardio and strength training
- Dance videos – fun way to move instead of boring treadmill
- Yoga – increased flexibility and recovery
Setting a Consistent Schedule
Blocking time for exercise in my calendar and treating it as any other important commitment was key. Now I train every:
- Monday (yoga)
- Tuesday (HIIT)
- Thursday (dance)
No guesswork required.
Tracking Metrics and Results
Seeing tangible progress is hugely motivating. I track calories burned, weight lost, heart rate trends and flexibility gains in a simple journal. Setting and hitting mini goals along the way helps me stick to my overall exercise routine.
Lifestyle Adjustments That Complement My Regimen
While the right training program kickstarted consistency for me, other lifestyle factors keep me on track:
- Meal prepping healthy proteins, complex carbs and vegetables
- Focusing on 7-8 hours of sleep nightly
- Incorporating stress relievers like meditation into my day prevents burnout
- Surrounding myself with others focused on fitness goals keeps me accountable
My Best Tips to Start AND Maintain an Exercise Routine
Follow this blueprint if you want to make exercise a lifelong habit:
- Pick enjoyable workouts – you’ll forward to doing them over and over
- Get specific with your training schedule and stick to the plan
- Track metrics and progress to stay motivated over time
- Optimize nutrition, sleep, stress levels to complement training
- Find an accountability partner to prevent skipping workouts
If I can transform from someone who quit every program after a few weeks into someone who hasn’t missed their workout in two years – you can definitely do it too! Commit to an exercise lifestyle and be prepared to feel healthier, stronger and more energized than you ever thought possible.