How to Start (and Stick To) an Exercise Routine

How I went from never exercising to regularly working out.

Hello, hello, lovely readers! I’m currently in London with my family and we are thoroughly enjoying our time in the land of Harry Potter. I haven’t been across the pond in nearly 20 years, and I’m so happy to be back. London has long been one of my favorite cities, and I’m really looking forward to sharing (soon!) the highlights of our trip.

With September just days away, I’m reminded that exactly one year ago, I committed in earnest to a consistent exercise routine. I’m very proud to say that one year later, I’m still moving my body most days of the week. This feels like a big accomplishment because, for all my passion for health, wellness and disease prevention, I just could not figure out how to make exercise a regular part of my life since becoming a mother nearly 10 years ago. It seemed nearly impossible to find the time, energy and motivation, so I just gave up and reluctantly accepted that I was in a season of my life that did not include exercise.

Then, last summer, I decided that I was fed up with feeling tired, depressed and sluggish, and vowed to figure out a way to fit exercise into my life as a way of boosting my mood, health and overall vitality. I signed up for a class at a local barre fitness studio, with no long term expectations or goals in mind. Those classes ended up being a form of therapy for me, and I started looking forward to them, attending multiple times each week. A few months later, I started adding in short weightlifting videos at home and longer, more regular hikes in the woods near my house.

I now exercise between 5-7 days a week, up from 0-1 just one year ago; it’s a daily priority for me. A few key habits and mindset shifts helped me make working out a regular part of my life. If you’re struggling to start or stick to a workout routine, you’re not doomed to a sedentary life - if I can do it, you can too.