Chapter 1: My Journey to Loving Exercise

I never imagined that I would come to love exercising, especially when I used to consider myself fortunate to work out just once a week.

Since I was thirteen, I have been attempting to integrate exercise into my routine. At that time, I was far from being fit, often indulging in Mike-n-ikes and ridged potato chips (which, let’s be honest, are far superior to the regular ones) after school. Exercise? That was a foreign concept to me.

Getting myself to complete even a 10-minute workout video from Chloe Ting once a month felt like a monumental task, especially when I was absorbed in yet another Netflix series. Despite my struggles, I repeatedly tried to make exercise a regular part of my life.

I found myself envying celebrities flaunting perfect physiques, hoping their images would motivate me—spoiler alert: they didn’t. I also attempted to guilt myself into action, which only led to further discouragement.

It wasn’t until I learned some valuable lessons that I discovered the secret to maintaining a consistent workout routine and truly enjoying it:

1. Avoid Self-Criticism.

   You can’t bully yourself into working out regularly. While it might yield short-term results, this approach usually ends in negativity and self-doubt. Instead, try to silence that inner critic.

2. Set Achievable Goals.

   I often misled myself into believing I could handle five one-hour workouts a week—an unrealistic expectation. Instead, begin with a manageable goal that seamlessly fits into your life. For instance, I started with the aim of working out twice a week for at least 10 minutes, which often turned into three sessions of 45 minutes. Progress was evident, even if some weeks were busier than others.

3. Explore Different Activities!

   Many believe that "real exercise" must take place in a gym, but this is far from the truth. If you’re just starting, the gym can feel overwhelming. Consider these alternatives:

   • At-home YouTube workouts
   • Creating your own exercise routine
   • Dancing
   • Playing sports
   • Running
   • Calisthenics
   • Weightlifting
   • Pilates
   • Yoga
   • Jump rope
   • Boxing or Kickboxing

Try various activities and incorporate the ones you enjoy into your daily life.

4. Make It Enjoyable.

   During my initial workouts, I was immersed in fantasy novels featuring heroic characters who trained vigorously. This inspired me to view my own exercise as "training." How could I face imaginary villains without the ability to do a push-up? Adding some upbeat music, like Imagine Dragons, transformed my workouts into an exciting training session.

Here are some fun ideas to enhance your experience:

• Create an energizing playlist
• Watch a series while exercising
• Work out with friends or join a class
• Experiment with different workout styles as mentioned earlier.

5. Be Patient with Yourself.

   Understand that developing a workout routine takes time and persistence. Embrace the journey as you cultivate the habit and learn to enjoy it.

I know how challenging it can be to establish a fulfilling workout routine, and I hope these tips make the process smoother for you!

In this video, "How to Build (and Improve) Your Workout Consistency!", you'll find practical advice on maintaining a regular exercise schedule.

Chapter 2: Advanced Strategies for Consistency

The video "5 Tips on How to be INSANELY Consistent in the Gym" offers valuable insights on how to enhance your workout consistency and commitment.