The Consistency Struggle is Real (and Ugh, So Annoying)
Okay, let’s be honest. How many times have you started a new workout routine, only to have it completely fall apart a few weeks later? I know I’ve lost count. It’s a cycle of motivation, intense workouts, then…crickets. Life happens, right? Or maybe, and this is the hard truth, we just don’t make it a priority. But why is consistency such a beast to conquer? I mean, we can be consistent with brushing our teeth (hopefully!), or checking our phones (definitely!), so why not fitness?
It’s easy to get caught up in the all-or-nothing mentality. If I can’t dedicate an hour to the gym, then what’s the point? That’s the thought process that used to derail me every single time. I’d feel guilty for missing a day, then two, then a whole week. And then, the shame would set in, and I’d just give up entirely. Sound familiar? It’s a terrible pattern, and breaking free from it is crucial. We need to shift our mindset from perfection to progress. Imperfect action is still action, you know?
And social media doesn’t exactly help, does it? Everyone showcasing their perfect bodies and seemingly effortless workouts. It’s easy to compare ourselves and feel like we’re failing. That constant barrage of “fitness inspiration” can actually be incredibly demotivating. It creates an unrealistic standard and makes us feel inadequate when we can’t live up to it. So, yeah, let’s acknowledge the struggle. It’s real, it’s common, and it’s okay to admit that you’re not always crushing it.
My Epic Fail (and What I Learned From It)
So, funny thing is, I used to be a total gym rat. Back in college, I was at the gym almost every day. I was obsessed with lifting weights and tracking my macros. But after graduation, when real-life hit, it all went downhill. I got a desk job, and suddenly, spending hours at the gym just wasn’t feasible anymore. I tried to maintain the same intensity, but it just wasn’t sustainable.
I remember one particularly bad day. I had a huge project due at work, I was stressed out of my mind, and I still forced myself to go to the gym. I was exhausted and grumpy, and I ended up having a terrible workout. I felt even worse afterward because I was so hard on myself for not performing well. Ugh, what a mess! That’s when I realized something had to change. I couldn’t keep forcing myself to fit into a mold that no longer worked for my life.
That whole experience taught me a valuable lesson: flexibility is key. You can’t expect to maintain the same routine forever. Life throws curveballs, and you need to be able to adapt. Instead of trying to replicate my college gym routine, I needed to find a new approach that fit into my current lifestyle. This involved a lot of trial and error, a lot of self-compassion, and a whole lot of ditching the guilt.
Small Changes, Big Impact: My Consistency Game Plan
Okay, so how did I actually start building consistency? It wasn’t some overnight miracle, trust me. It was a slow and steady process of making small, manageable changes. One of the first things I did was lower my expectations. Instead of aiming for an hour at the gym every day, I started with 30-minute workouts three times a week. It sounds simple, but it made a huge difference.
The key was to make it easy and accessible. I started working out at home using online videos and bodyweight exercises. This eliminated the commute to the gym and made it much easier to squeeze in a workout, even on busy days. There are tons of free workout videos on YouTube, so there’s really no excuse not to find something you enjoy. I especially love the ones from Blogilates. Cassey Ho is so energetic and motivating!
Another strategy that helped me was incorporating movement into my daily routine. I started taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking during my lunch break, and doing squats while brushing my teeth (yes, really!). These little activities added up and helped me feel more active throughout the day. And honestly, it made me feel less guilty about those days when I skipped my official workout.
Finding What Works for *You* (Because We’re All Different)
The most important thing I learned is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness consistency. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to experiment and find activities that you genuinely enjoy. If you hate running, don’t force yourself to run. Try swimming, dancing, hiking, or anything else that gets you moving and makes you feel good.
I’ve found that variety is also important for me. If I do the same workout routine every day, I quickly get bored and lose motivation. So, I try to mix things up by doing different types of exercises and activities. One day I might do yoga, the next day I might go for a bike ride, and the day after that I might do a strength training workout. This keeps things interesting and prevents me from getting burnt out.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. You might discover a hidden talent or a new passion. I recently tried rock climbing for the first time, and I absolutely loved it! It was challenging, exhilarating, and a great workout. Who knew? The point is, there are endless possibilities, so keep exploring until you find something that clicks.
Tracking Progress (Without Obsessing Over the Numbers)
Okay, so tracking progress can be a tricky one. On one hand, it can be motivating to see how far you’ve come. On the other hand, it can be discouraging if you don’t see the results you’re hoping for. So, how do you track progress without obsessing over the numbers? For me, it’s about focusing on the non-scale victories.
I used to be obsessed with weighing myself every day. It was a terrible habit that completely dictated my mood. If the number on the scale went up, I’d feel like a failure. If it went down, I’d feel temporarily elated. But the truth is, the scale doesn’t tell the whole story. It doesn’t account for muscle mass, water retention, or any of the other factors that can fluctuate your weight.
Instead of relying solely on the scale, I started focusing on other indicators of progress. Things like how my clothes fit, how much energy I had, and how strong I felt. I also started taking progress photos and videos. These visual reminders helped me see the changes in my body, even when the scale wasn’t budging. And let’s be honest, seeing those visual changes is a huge confidence booster.
The Mental Game: Self-Compassion is Your Secret Weapon
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself. There will be days when you miss a workout, eat too much junk food, or feel like you’re not making any progress. That’s okay. It happens to everyone. The key is not to beat yourself up about it. Instead, acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on. Self-compassion is your secret weapon in the fitness consistency game.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to have off days. It’s okay to indulge in a treat. It’s okay to take a break when you need it. The important thing is not to let those moments derail your entire progress. Just get back on track as soon as you can. It’s all about balance, you know? Life’s too short to deprive yourself of the things you enjoy.
So, the next time you’re feeling discouraged, remember that you’re not alone. We all struggle with consistency from time to time. But with a little bit of self-compassion, a lot of flexibility, and a commitment to finding what works for you, you can achieve your fitness goals and finally ditch the gym guilt. And if you are as curious as I was, you might want to dig into finding healthy recipes, too. You’ve got this!
