Do you set the alarm every night, convinced tomorrow will be the day you hit the gym only to hit snooze instead? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Sticking to a workout routine sounds easy when we sign up for that shiny new membership, but life (and sometimes laziness) often gets in the way.
The truth is, building consistency at the gym isn’t just about motivation; it’s about creating systems that work for you. Fitness coaches have broken down why so many people fall off track and how you can finally turn gym visits into a habit that lasts.
1. Treat Your Workout Like an Appointment
One of the biggest mistakes is “fitting the gym in whenever possible.” Without structure, it’s the first thing to get skipped. Siobhan suggests putting your workouts in your calendar the same way you would a doctor’s visit or haircut. “You wouldn’t miss your hair appointment, would you? No. I didn’t think so.”
When you schedule it, it’s no longer optional — it’s part of your day.
2. Go in With a Plan
Walking into the gym without a clear workout can feel overwhelming. That confusion often leads to cutting workouts short or skipping them altogether. Instead, give your week a structure:
Monday: Upper body
Wednesday: Lower body
Friday: Full body
Rest days in between
Knowing exactly what you’re doing reduces decision fatigue and sets you up for success.
3. Do What You Actually Enjoy
Here’s a secret: you don’t have to do every exercise just because it’s popular. Hate running? Swap it for cycling, swimming, or dancing. Loathe squats? Find a variation that works for you. “Even I don’t like back squats,” Siobhan admits proof that even professionals tailor their routines.
When you enjoy your workouts, you’re far more likely to keep showing up.
4. Set Small, Achievable Goals
You don’t need to aim for a marathon or heavy deadlifts right away. Start with simple, measurable goals like:
Lifting 2 kg more than last week
Running 5 extra minutes on the treadmill
Hitting the gym three times this week
These small wins keep you motivated and build the consistency that eventually becomes habit.
The Bottom Line
Consistency isn’t about waking up every day full of energy and motivation. It’s about creating a schedule, having a plan, doing what you love, and tracking progress however small. With a little structure and patience, your gym routine can shift from a dreaded chore to a lifestyle you genuinely enjoy.
