How to Finally Start Exercising in 2025 – and Stick with It

Starting a fitness routine is something many people aspire to but often struggle to maintain. The reasons vary: lack of time, slow progress leading to frustration, injuries or illnesses disrupting momentum, or simply not finding it enjoyable. I’ve faced many of these obstacles myself, but over time, I’ve discovered solutions that have helped me stay consistent with exercise. Here are my top tips for building a sustainable fitness routine in 2025.

At the beginning, you don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to get started. However, there are two things I wouldn’t want to do without, as they make life much easier: a mat and a foam roller.

1. Forget the "28-Day Habit Myth"

Many fitness gurus claim that if you just push through for 28 days, exercise will become a habit. That never worked for me. I once worked out consistently for six months, yet it still felt like a chore. So I had to find a different approach.

I then tried the "start small" method—just walking more and doing one workout per week. Unfortunately, this led to excuses: "I need to be kind to myself," or "I’m too stressed today." This approach didn’t work either.

What finally worked for me? Committing to four - five days of movement per week—no matter how long or intense. Whether it’s stretching, a light workout, or even stopping halfway if I’m mentally overwhelmed, I ensure I move. This way, I negotiate with myself rather than forcing an all-or-nothing mentality.

2. Home Workouts Are Game-Changers

To eliminate excuses, I created a YouTube playlist with a variety of workouts—some slow and relaxing, others energetic and motivating. Now, I always have an option that fits my mood.

I also realized that I don’t need to wear workout clothes for everything—10 minutes of stretching in pajamas still counts! This flexibility made exercising feel much more accessible and sustainable.

3. Listen to Your Cycle (For Women)

As a woman, I noticed that in the week before my period, workouts that previously felt easy suddenly became impossible. This is completely normal! Understanding my cycle helped me stop feeling frustrated when I couldn’t perform at my usual level.

Instead, I adjust my routine: gentle yoga and stretching before my period, high-energy workouts during and after. This way, I stay active without burning out or getting discouraged.

4. Proper Form & Breathing Matter More Than Intensity

If you’re new to working out or have a sedentary lifestyle, some muscles may be underdeveloped, making certain exercises incredibly difficult. This is why proper form is crucial.

A common mistake is pushing through a workout using the wrong muscles. The result? No visible progress, which leads to frustration. Sometimes, it’s best to start with 5-minute workouts that focus on small, controlled movements or muscle activation.

My favorite YouTuber for learning proper technique is Jin Diet (a Korean fitness trainer). She modifies basic exercises so that only the intended muscles are activated, ensuring maximum efficiency and results. Her explanations (with English subtitles) have helped me see faster progress.

5. Don’t Plan Your Workouts Too Rigidly

Life happens. If you schedule workouts from Tuesday to Saturday and then miss a day, it can feel demotivating. Instead, aim for five workouts per week, with only one or two set days. This flexibility makes it easier to stay consistent.

Also, don’t force yourself into a fixed time slot (e.g., only working out in the morning). Some days, you might need extra sleep or want to relax in the evening. However, if you skip your planned morning session, commit to doing it later—no excuses.

The Key: Balance Between Discipline & Freedom

Fitness doesn’t have to be a rigid, miserable obligation. The key is finding a balance between discipline and flexibility. By making exercise a negotiable part of your day rather than an all-or-nothing challenge, you’ll be much more likely to stick with it.

These are the strategies that worked for me—what are your best tips for staying consistent with exercise? Let me know in the comments!