The Struggle Is Real
We’ve all been there—staring at our running shoes like they’re plotting against us. The truth is, starting a workout habit can feel like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that hard. With the right mindset and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can turn working out from a dreaded chore into a daily ritual you actually look forward to. Yes, really!
Start Small: Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day (And Neither Is Your Fitness Routine)
When it comes to habit building, think of it like building a house. You wouldn’t start with the roof, right? The same goes for working out—begin with the foundation. As James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, wisely puts it, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
Translation: Instead of setting a goal to run a marathon right out of the gate, start with something small and manageable, like a 10-minute walk every day. Once that becomes second nature, gradually increase the intensity and duration. It’s all about baby steps, people!
Make It Fun: Because Who Wants to Suffer?
If the thought of hitting the treadmill makes you want to run (in the opposite direction), it’s time to switch things up. The secret to sticking with a workout routine is to actually enjoy what you’re doing. Mind-blowing, I know.
Love dancing? Try a Zumba class. Enjoy punching things? Kickboxing might be your jam. Even if your thing is just power-walking while listening to true crime podcasts, that’s totally legit. The key is to find something that makes you forget you’re exercising—because, let’s face it, “fun” and “sweat” don’t always go hand in hand.
Schedule It: If It’s Not on the Calendar, It Doesn’t Exist
One of the best ways to build a workout habit is to treat it like any other important appointment. If you’re waiting for the perfect time to exercise, newsflash: it’s not going to happen. “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” asks John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach.
So, whip out your calendar and block off specific times for your workouts. Think of it as a non-negotiable meeting with your future fit self. Trust me, your couch will still be there when you’re done.
Reward Yourself: Because You Deserve It
Building a workout habit doesn’t mean you have to turn into a fitness monk. In fact, giving yourself small rewards can make the process a lot more enjoyable. After a workout, treat yourself to something that makes you happy—a delicious smoothie, a new episode of your favorite show, or even just a few minutes of guilt-free Instagram scrolling.
Charles Duhigg, in his book The Power of Habit, explains the importance of the “habit loop,” which includes a cue, a routine, and a reward. Your cue could be laying out your workout clothes the night before, your routine is the actual exercise, and your reward is whatever makes you feel good afterward. This simple loop reinforces the habit and keeps you coming back for more.
Embrace the Suck: It Gets Easier, I Promise
Let’s be real—working out isn’t always a blast. There will be days when you just don’t feel like it. But here’s the thing: it’s on those days that the magic happens. As Mark Manson famously wrote in The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck,* “The pain you pursue in the gym is the same pain that prevents a larger pain.” So, push through the discomfort, knowing that each drop of sweat is bringing you closer to your goals.
Conclusion: You’ve Got This!
Building a workout habit doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right approach, it can become a natural and enjoyable part of your daily routine. Start small, keep it fun, schedule your sweat sessions, reward yourself, and most importantly, embrace the challenge. Before you know it, you’ll be the one inspiring others with your commitment and progress. So, what are you waiting for? Lace-up those shoes and get moving—your future self is already thanking you!
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