With so many ways to work out, it can feel impossible to find the right workout for you. But today, I’m going to give you some pointers on how to figure out your own fitness routine.
Here are my top considerations and how I came to find the perfect workout for me, right now.
1. Time
a. How much time you have to work out is a really important consideration when deciding the right fitness routine for you. In fact, it’s the main thing that led me to running! Before kids, I had time to go spend an hour at the gym (plus leaving 15 min early and getting home 15 min after the end of class). I loved group fitness, and it worked for me for years. But after kids, I went ONCE. Not seeing my kids all day and then leaving them for a huge chunk of our evening is just not gonna fly. So be honest with yourself. How much time do you have for fitness? How much time are you willing to give up?
b. And then you also have to consider what days and what time of day you can work out, so that you can decide if there’s a class, program, online workout, or run that will work for your schedule. If you can’t or don’t fit it on your calendar, it’ll never happen. Again, running was just what I needed because group fitness times are never at times that work for me in this season of life. But running I can do pretty much whenever. Look around at different program offerings and see if there’s a good fit for your schedule!
2. Cost
Cost is another important thing to think about when choosing your workout. Gym memberships, group fitness, online programs, fitness coaches…these all cost money. So before you decide that barre class is your thing-be sure you look up costs and can afford going. It just makes sense! Choose something that will work with your budget. Not everyone can afford all these boutique type fitness places. But the great news is: you don’t have to!! Walking and running are basically free to start. YouTube videos are also free! So don’t ever think you don’t have the money to work out–but be sure to consider your budget before committing to a new fitness routine.
3. Your Personality
This might seem like an odd one, but hear me out: some people are not made to exercise alone. If you are not the self-motivated type, then maybe solo exercise isn’t for you. You might need that group element…either in an online accountability group or in a class at the gym for you to really get a good workout in. If you’re the type who will work out the same whether you’re alone or 20 people are watching you, then you don’t need to choose based on the support system.
4. Your Interests
Don’t torture yourself. If you hate running, then you hate running. Don’t choose it for your exercise. Maybe kickboxing is more your style. Maybe it’s yoga. Exercise should be something you’re incorporating for the long-term. So be sure it’s something you actually enjoy and can see doing for more than a couple weeks! If you think you hate all exercise, I think you haven’t given yourself a fair chance yet. Sometimes you have to be patient and find your thing through trial and error. I did yoga for like, a year before I realized I didn’t really like it all that much. So keep on keepin’ on and FIND YOUR THING.
And that’s truly how I was able to figure out what types of workouts are right for ME, for right now. Maybe one day I’ll head back to the gym. Who knows?? But for now, if you need me, I’ll be hitting the pavement.
What’s your favorite workout??
