It happens to the best of us. We all lose track of our fitness routine at some point. Life gets in the way, and we lose sight of what our goals are and how to reach them. Here are a few tips and things to consider to get you back on (or at least start thinking about) the right track.

1. Give yourself permission to be where you are right now.

There is nothing wrong with getting off track, and the sooner you can accept that it has happened, the better. Admit it to yourself, your family, and your friends. There is a great deal of power in facing the truth and letting it out. Recognizing and accepting where you are will make it easier to address the issue. This goes for life in general, as well.

2. Shift your goals.

Sometimes, we expect too much from ourselves and set fitness routine goals that are unattainable. So, of course, you’ll fall off the wagon. If you have a rather large goal, say to run a marathon or lose 25 lbs (which are both great goals!), consider breaking them down into mini-goals. Start with a goal of running a 5K. Then, increase to a 10K run. Then, set a goal of a half marathon. If you want to lose 25 lbs, set a goal of 5 lbs, 10 lbs, and so on. Setting (and reaching) mini-goals will not only give you a sense of accomplishment, but you will also increase your motivation to move to the next goal!

3. Open up.

Sharing your goals and struggles that go along with reaching them will keep you accountable and less likely to get off track. When others are aware of your goals and some of the triggers that derail you—unhealthy snack foods in the house or office, for example—the more likely it is that they will support, encourage, and even join you in your efforts!

4. Find what you love.

One of the biggest reasons people fall off their fitness routine is boredom. If you dread your workouts, you’re less likely to stick with them. Instead of forcing yourself through something you don’t enjoy, explore different activities to find what truly excites you. Exercise should feel fun, not like a chore!

Here are some ideas to help you discover what works for you:

• Dance It Out – Try Zumba, salsa, or hip-hop dance classes for a workout that feels like a party.
• Hit the Trails – Hiking not only improves endurance but also lets you soak in nature, which can be a huge mood booster.
• Make a Splash – Swimming is gentle on the joints while giving you a full-body workout. Aqua aerobics is another great option!
• Try Group Fitness – Spin, Pilates, barre, or kickboxing classes bring energy, music, and a sense of community.
• Play Like a Kid – Activities like trampoline workouts, hula hooping, or even roller skating make exercise feel nostalgic and fun.
• Lift and Empower – If you prefer strength training, weightlifting or bodyweight workouts can help you feel strong and confident.
• Go Zen – Yoga or tai chi can improve flexibility, balance, and reduce stress.
• Social Sports – Tennis, pickleball, or even joining an adult soccer or volleyball league can bring out your competitive side while keeping you active.

The key is to experiment until you find something that makes you excited to move. If you love what you’re doing, you’ll look forward to your workouts—and consistency will come naturally!

5. Schedule Your Workouts

One of the biggest reasons people struggle to stay consistent with exercise is not prioritizing it. Life gets busy, and workouts often take a backseat to work, family, and social commitments. The key? Put your workouts on your calendar—just like you would a doctor’s appointment or a meeting—and commit to them.

How to Make Scheduling Work for You:

1. Pick a Time That Works Best for You
   • Are you a morning person? Get it done first thing before the day gets away from you.
   • More energized in the evening? Make it part of your post-work routine.
   • Have an unpredictable schedule? Even short, flexible workouts can fit in.
2. Block It Off in Your Calendar
   • Treat your workouts as non-negotiable. If it’s in your schedule, you’re more likely to follow through.
   • Use a planner, phone reminders, or apps like Google Calendar to set alerts.
3. Be Realistic About Your Availability
   • If you can’t commit to an hour, start with 20-30 minutes. Some movement is better than none.
   • Plan around your lifestyle—maybe it’s a quick home workout before work or a lunchtime walk.
4. Prepare in Advance
   • Lay out your workout clothes the night before.
   • Pack a gym bag and keep it in your car.
   • Have a plan—know exactly what workout you’ll be doing.
5. Stay Flexible but Consistent
   • If something comes up and you miss a session, reschedule it—don’t just skip it entirely.
   • If your original time slot isn’t working, adjust rather than give up.
6. Use Accountability to Your Advantage
   • Find a workout buddy and set a regular time together.
   • Join a class or sign up for sessions that require commitment.
   • Track your workouts so you can see your consistency over time.

By making workouts a priority rather than an afterthought, you’ll build a habit that sticks. Think of it this way: If you wouldn’t cancel on a friend or a work meeting, don’t cancel on yourself! Your health deserves the same level of commitment.

Following the steps above, you’ll be back on your fitness routine in no time with a renewed perspective and a greater appreciation for yourself. The confidence and motivation gained by shifting a few ideas can be the difference between staying on track and falling off the wagon. Challenging times grow and stretch our resilience, and, like everything else in life, it too passes! Be kind and compassionate to yourself!

You may also just be bored with your current fitness routine! Read all about how to shake things up with a barre class, learn to lift heavy weights, or set a goal of 10,000 steps per day!