Getting in shape and staying fit is a dream that many people would love to make a reality. But, having a workout routine that you can stick to in the long run is incredibly difficult. 

Many people who start working out usually quit within the first month. Those who keep going stop before the three month mark. Anyone who can keep going longer developed a plan that they can stick to for years to come, and you need to do the same.

To help you out, here are five simple yet effective tips to help you create a sustainable gym routine that you can stick to for the long haul.

Have Realistic Goals

Before you dive into a gym routine, you need to set clear and realistic goals for yourself. Having a specific target in mind will give you direction and keep you motivated along the way.

Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, improve endurance, or enhance overall fitness, make sure your goals are achievable and tailored to your needs. Try to break them down into smaller milestones rather than having one big goal. This way, you can track your progress and celebrate the smaller achievements along the way.

Try To Find Exercises You Enjoy

The biggest key to sticking to a gym routine in the long term is finding activities that you genuinely enjoy. If you dread every workout, then you will have a hard time staying consistent in the gym. 

That’s why, you should try to explore different exercises and classes to discover what you find most engaging and fun. Whether it’s weightlifting, cardio exercises, dance classes, or outdoor activities like hiking or cycling, you need to find something that makes you look forward to hitting the gym. 

Also, you should try to change things up every now and then to prevent boredom and keep things exciting.

Plan Your Workouts 

Among the biggest reasons why people fall short is a lack of time. People simply cut into their workout time whenever they need to make time for something else.

To get around this, you should find a 24 hour gym and plan your workouts in advance to save time. 

By having a pre-planned schedule, you can eliminate the guesswork and make exercise a priority in your daily routine. You can also try using a workout app or a fitness planner to help you stay organized and keep track of your progress.

Start Slow and Gradually Increase Intensity

When starting a new gym routine, you need to start slow and increase the intensity of your workouts over time. If you push yourself too hard right off the bat, you can burn out or even get injured. 

That’s why you should start with lighter weights and shorter cardio sessions and give your body some time to adapt and build endurance. As you progress, you can slowly increase the duration, intensity, and weights to challenge yourself and move on to the next level. 

Listen to Your Body

While consistency is key, you need to listen to your body and give it the rest it needs. If you overtrain, it can lead to fatigue, muscle soreness, and increased risk of injuries. 

That’s why you should have rest days in your gym routine to allow your muscles to recover and repair. Not to mention, you shouldn’t hesitate to take a break or seek professional advice if you feel excessively fatigued or notice persistent pain.