How to build a fitness routine you actually ENJOY!
Finding movement that fits your lifestyle
Let’s be honest — when most of us hear the word “routine,” we either imagine a strict schedule we’ll never stick to, or something that feels like a chore on an already packed to-do list.
But what if your fitness routine didn’t feel like another job?
What if it felt… good? Like something you actually look forward to — even if life’s chaotic, even if you’ve got a million other things going on, even if your kid’s tantruming over toast and you’ve had four hours of sleep.
It is possible to build a routine that works for you — not just your goals, but your real, messy, beautiful life.
Here’s how to start:
1. Ditch the “All or Nothing” Mentality
This is a big one. So many of us feel like if we’re not doing five sessions a week, tracking every macro, and hitting PBs, it’s not even worth starting. But here’s the truth: consistency beats perfection every single time.
If you can manage two workouts a week? That’s amazing. That’s two more than zero. That’s time you’re giving to yourself. Let that be enough — and build from there, if and when life allows.
2. Start With What You Actually Like
This might sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how many women force themselves to do workouts they hate because they think they “should.”
You don’t need to do HIIT if it makes you miserable. You don’t need to run if your knees scream at you. And you absolutely don’t need to be in the gym five days a week unless you want to be.
Do you enjoy dancing in your kitchen? That’s movement.
Love a walk while listening to a podcast? That’s movement.
Prefer weights and strength training (like me)? Great — but again, only if it works for you.
If you enjoy it, you’re more likely to keep doing it — and that’s where the magic happens.
3. Work With Your Energy, Not Against It
Some days you’ll feel like Wonder Woman. Other days you’ll feel like a crumpled-up napkin. It’s normal.
Try tracking your energy across a week or month — especially around your menstrual cycle if that applies to you. Use that insight to plan your workouts. Maybe strength sessions feel better in week two, and gentle walks or stretching suit you more in week four. That’s not lazy — that’s smart.
Your body isn't a machine. Listen to her.
4. Short & Sweet Still Counts
Got 20 minutes? That’s enough.
Got 10? Still enough.
Movement doesn’t have to be long to be effective.
You don’t need to block out an hour every time. You just need to start. A short strength session, a bit of mobility, a quick blast of something to get your heart rate up — it all adds up.
And the best part? You’ll often surprise yourself and want to do more once you’ve started.
5. Make it Flexible (Not Fragile)
Rigid routines fall apart the minute life throws a curveball — and if you’re a mum, a shift worker, a partner, or a woman with any real-life responsibilities, you know curveballs are standard.
Instead of planning a perfect week and beating yourself up when it doesn’t happen, give yourself options. A “Plan A” workout, a “Plan B” for when time’s tight, and even a “Plan C” for the days it’s a miracle you’re even upright. 😉
That way, your routine can bend — not break.
6. Build a Bigger “Why”
Yes, aesthetics can be part of the goal. But it’s not the whole picture.
Your motivation will go further when it’s rooted in something bigger than the scale. Think about how you want to feel: strong, confident, clear-headed, capable, more like yourself again.
Your fitness routine becomes something you protect, not punish yourself with. The way I see it is, I want to be just as capable as I am now with movement and strength, when I’m 80. That’s not going to come without a longer commitment than your mortgage! It’s always good to have short term goals yes, but think about the long game too!
7. Celebrate the Tiny Wins
Did you show up even though you didn’t feel like it?
Did you try a new class?
Get through a set you used to avoid?
Pick movement over numbing out?
That deserves recognition. Your progress doesn’t just live in before/after photos. It lives in your mindset, your habits, your choices, your growth. We are all SO good at just moving forward, we rarely celebrate the small wins and progress since we started.
Final Thoughts: You First, Always
Creating a fitness routine you actually enjoy isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about learning to put yourself back on your own list.
Because when you feel good in yourself — mentally, physically, emotionally — you show up better for the people you love. You stop just surviving the day, and start living in it.
So here’s your permission slip: make it simple, make it flexible, make it yours. And don’t be afraid to change it as you grow.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to begin.
Want help building your routine around your real life? That’s what Elevate Her is here for. Let’s make movement something that lifts you up — not wears you down!