5 Easy Steps for Sticking to Your Workout Regimen

For when the couch is calling to you louder than the gym.

3 min

©Oscar Wong

By Julia-Sarah Hennig
December 8, 2021

Why trust us?

Whether it’s jogging, soccer, fitness classes, or strength training, everyone knows that regular exercise is important for your health, well-being, and quality of life. Working out promotes the release of happiness hormones and regulates the release of stress hormones, so it not only makes you feel good, it also boosts your resilience. More than reason enough to figure out how to stick to working out!

Finding a good workout rhythm can be a challenge. Once you’ve taken the first step and established a structured exercise program for yourself, your reward is usually rapid progress: your fitness and physical condition improve, and you just feel better in your skin.

Until you hit your first stumbling block. The daily grind, deadlines, hunger, lack of nutrients, autumn blues, winter fatigue, and the question “is it really necessary” quickly kill any motivation you had to go to the gym.

In those moments, it’s important to remember that not only is exercise necessary for your health, but a good workout routine also improves your attitude and mood! Keep the following helpful tips handy to help you stick to your fitness goals.

#1 Have Fun!

This is the most important part. Why would you spend your precious free time doing things you don’t like? Whether it’s outdoor sports, circuit training, dance class, lifting weights, martial arts, or team sports, find something you enjoy doing. Then you won’t need much extra motivation to stay on the ball. Maybe you’ll even find friends who’ll join you! Community not only helps you stay committed to your fitness routine, exercise is also more fun with a workout partner or two.

#2 Be faster than your excuses

Know your inner slacker is pretty quick when it needs to be? Then you need to be faster! Lay out your workout clothes the night before, so you’re ready to go to the gym before your inner slacker has the chance to wake up.

Preparation also makes life easier. If you really don’t have extra time for exercise sessions, plan to jog to work or home from work. Real pros even keep a pair of running shoes and workout clothes in the office for spontaneous physical activity breaks. And afterwards you can treat yourself to an extra reward with our fitness snacks!

Having clear goals will help you put an end to your excuses as well. Like running? Then sign up for a marathon or half marathon.

#3 Make yourself a priority

Your mindset is key. What’s the most important thing to you? What others expect of you, or your own well-being? Try to keep this in mind whenever overtime or a social event gets in the way of your workout plans.

Of course, sometimes it’s better to do something for others instead of insisting on rigid workout routines and your own needs. When your best friend’s birthday overlaps with your workout plan, you can take a night off. As always, the exceptions prove the rule.

Plan your workouts as fixed appointments in your calendar and take into account when you’re least likely to be interrupted. And if something does come up, weigh carefully what’s more important in the long run: your health and happiness, or what others want from you?

Our tip: It helps to visualize your training successes. Get a paper calendar, hang it up in a visible place as a written record, and cross out every day you’ve worked out. Of course you’ll want to keep up your winning streak!

#4 Think out of the Box with your Workout Routine

Routine is good, variety is better. Sometimes you just need a new exercise routine in order to like your old one all the more afterwards. If your standard exercise plan just doesn’t make you happy after a while, it’s time to try something different.

But it doesn’t always have to be classic fitness training. Climbing, rowing, rollerblading, playing sports, and hiking with friends also keep you mentally and physically fit and confirm that your training is having an effect. Do something you’ve always wanted to try out! Variety is a great way to boost your motivation.

And when you really can’t take it anymore, treat yourself to some active time off from your exercise routine. Instead of spending time on the couch or at the computer, check out a new sport or form of exercise that you might enjoy.

#5 Give your body what it deserves

To feel like exercising, your body needs energy. And that comes from food. From good food! Balanced sports nutrition is wholesome, delicious, and meets your micro- and macronutrient needs.

Often we tend to eat more or less than is actually necessary. That’s why we recommend checking out our nutrition plans to figure out your personal energy and nutrient needs depending on your fitness goal.

Our database of fitness recipes for every occasion and our selection of premium products for your kitchen and when you’re on the go showcase more than a few tricks for simple and effective nutrition.