Falling out of a workout routine happens to all of us!
Life gets busy, motivation dips, or habits just slip. But, getting back into a workout routine is possible, and it’s mostly about psychology and habit-building rather than sheer willpower.
Whether you prefer online fitness classes at home or short workouts in your lunch break, these strategies will help you make exercise part of your life for the long term.
1. Acknowledge Where You Are
The first step is accepting that it’s okay to fall out of routine. Missing a few workouts doesn’t mean failure, it just means you’re human. Focus on what you can do right now rather than dwelling on the past.
Pro tip: Draw a line in the sand and treat this moment as your fresh start.
2. Action Creates Motivation
Waiting for motivation never works. Instead, take action and let motivation follow. Even if you don’t feel like it, show up for yourself – your body and mind will thank you.
Remember, some days you’ll workout because you feel amazing, other days because it’s important (and both are valid reasons!)
3. Start Small
Big overhauls rarely last. Start with small, achievable goals, like:
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Three 10-minute online workouts per week
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One short home workout on busy days
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A single class in the online fitness platform you enjoy
Small wins build momentum and make exercise a habit, instead of a chore.
4. Remove Barriers
Make it easy for yourself:
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Lay out your workout kit the night before
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Plan your online fitness classes in advance
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Keep equipment visible and accessible
The easier it is to start, the more likely you are to stick to your routine.
5. Habit Stack Your Workouts
Link workouts to something you already do:
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Morning coffee + an online fitness class
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Lunch break + quick home workout
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Evening routine + online fitness session
When exercise becomes part of your daily routine, it stops feeling like an effort and becomes automatic.
6. Remember Your Why
Why do you want to get back into a workout routine?
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To run around with kids or grandkids without getting tired
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To feel stronger, toned, and confident in your body
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To improve energy, mood, and overall health
Holding your why close keeps you consistent, even on days you feel unmotivated.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
Every workout counts. Celebrate it! Even a 10-minute online fitness class is a win. Reflect on how it makes you feel and be proud of showing up for yourself. Positive reinforcement helps your brain associate exercise with feeling good, making it easier to keep going.
Recap: Steps to Make Your Workout Routine Stick
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Acknowledge that you’re human: missing a day is normal
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Start small: build habits gradually
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Habit stack: attach workouts to daily routines
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Remove barriers: make starting easy
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Remember your why: keep your motivation in mind
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Celebrate wins: even small ones
Whether you’re doing home workouts or taking online fitness classes, these tips will help you get back into a workout routine and stick with it for the long term.
For more on this, listen to this week’s episode of the Lorna Marie Fitness Podcast HERE
Or you can watch it just below:
