We’ve all been there. January rolls around, you buy new trainers, sign up to the gym, and smash it for two weeks. Then work gets busy, the kids get ill, it rains (this is Bristol, after all) and suddenly your gym bag is gathering dust in the hallway.
The good news? Building a fitness routine can be as simple as building a plan that fits your life. Here’s how to get started.
What do you actually want?
Before you lift a single weight, get clear on your goal. To keep you going on a cold Tuesday morning, try to set a specific goal such as:
- Run 5k without stopping
- Play with the kids without getting out of breath
- Say goodbye to that niggling back pain
- Feel confident on holiday next summer
A clear goal gives every session a purpose, and makes it much easier to see how far you’ve come.
How often should you train?
Start small. Two or three sessions a week is plenty when you’re beginning. It’s far better to do two workouts consistently for six months than to do six workouts in week one and burn out by week three.
Pick the days and times now and put them in your diary like any other appointment. If it’s not scheduled, it’s easy to skip.
What exercises should you do?
A balanced routine mixes a few key ingredients:
- Strength training – squats, rows, presses and core work to build muscle and protect your joints
- Cardio – brisk walks, cycling, boxing or HIIT to keep your heart healthy
- Mobility – stretching and movement work to keep you supple and injury free
Most importantly, choose things you enjoy. If you hate running, don’t run! Try kickboxing, a group class or something completely new. You’re far more likely to stick with a workout that feels like fun rather than a chore.
How do you stay motivated?
Motivation comes and goes, so don’t rely on it. Instead, build habits:
- Track your progress – write down your weights, times or how you feel after each session
- Celebrate small wins – an extra rep or a better night’s sleep all count
- Find accountability – a training buddy, a class or a coach makes it much harder to hit snooze
- Be kind to yourself – missed a week? No drama. Just get back to it
Why work with a personal trainer?
Here’s the honest truth: most people don’t fail because they’re lazy. They fail because they don’t have a plan, they’re not sure they’re doing exercises correctly, and nobody notices when they stop turning up.
That’s where a personal trainer comes in. A good PT will:
- Set realistic goals based on where you are now and where you want to be
- Build a programme around you, including any injuries, aches or busy schedules
- Teach proper technique, so you get results without getting hurt
- Keep sessions varied, so you never get bored of the same old routine
- Hold you accountable, because it’s much harder to cancel on a person than on an app
Think of it as having someone in your corner, helping you build the discipline until it becomes second nature.
Ready to get started?
At ProTom Fitness, we’ve helped hundreds of people across Bristol build routines that last, from easing back pain to getting surf fit for The Wave. Our tailored sessions focus on building strength and balance while keeping you injury free, and no two workouts are ever the same.
Whether you’re brand new to exercise or getting back into it after a break, we’ll help you set your goals, track your results and stay on track.
Want to build a fitness routine that actually sticks? Contact ProTom Fitness today and book your first session!