How to Build an Exercise Routine You Love
How to Build an Exercise Routine You Love
By Nicole Freebairn, Registered Nutritionist
There’s no doubt that regular exercise is one of the most powerful things we can do for our health. Research shows that lifelong exercise is linked to a longer health span, helping to delay the onset of many chronic conditions and diseases. Beyond the impacts on physical health, we are learning more and more about the benefits exercise has on mood, energy, stress, sleep, and overall quality of life.
While we can all agree that regular exercise is important, it’s not always easy to stay consistent. Life gets busy. Motivation fluctuates. And for many, past experiences with exercise may have been tied to punishment, pressure, or ‘earning’ your food - and this mindset can make it hard to view movement positively.
If you’ve struggled with sticking to an exercise routine, you're not alone. This blog will help you reframe how you think about movement and offer practical steps to create a routine that feels enjoyable and sustainable — not something you have to do, but something you want to.
1. Redefine What "Exercise" Means
Exercise isn't just gym workouts and long runs. It's movement — and movement comes in endless forms!
Dancing, hiking, swimming, gardening, Pilates, playing with your kids — it all counts. Start by expanding your definition of exercise beyond traditional gym settings. Movement should fit your life, not the other way around.
2. Start with What Feels Good
Ask yourself: What kind(s) of movement feel good to my body right now?
If you're early in your journey, this might be a gentle walk, some light stretching, or chair exercises. If you're feeling stronger, you might crave more intensity.
Listening to your body (instead of forcing it) builds trust and sets the foundation for an exercise habit that sticks.
3. Mix It Up
Variety keeps things interesting and works different muscle groups.
Consider combining:
Cardiovascular exercise (e.g., walking, biking, swimming) for heart health and longevity
Strength training (e.g., resistance bands, bodyweight workouts) for strength and muscle health
Flexibility and balance (e.g., yoga, stretching) for mobility and injury prevention
Having a few options helps you adapt to different energy levels, moods, and schedules.
4. Set Fun-Focused Goals
Instead of only setting outcome-based goals like “lose ‘X’ kilos” or “fit into certain clothes,” set fun and experience-based goals:
✅ "Walk a trail I’ve never explored before"
✅ "Try a dance class with a friend"
✅ "Increase my plank hold by 10 seconds"
These types of goals feel rewarding regardless of the number on the scales.
5. Build Routine Around Your Life
The best workout plan? One that fits into your actual life.
Consider:
Your daily schedule
Your family or work responsibilities
The time of day you feel most energetic
Would a 15-minute strength session after breakfast be realistic? A sunset walk after dinner? Designing a plan around your life makes consistency achievable.
6. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Every workout doesn’t need to be perfect to be valuable.
Some weeks will be busier, energy will fluctuate, and life will happen.
Instead of giving up because you missed a day, celebrate small wins:
"I moved my body today."
"I made time for myself."
"I’m building a stronger future, one step at a time."
Consistency over time matters far more than perfection.
7. Make It Social (If You Want!)
Exercise can be even more enjoyable when it's social.
Invite a friend for a walk, join a class, or find a supportive online community.
Sharing the journey can add a sense of accountability, encouragement, and fun.
Final Thoughts
Exercise should enrich your life, not feel like a punishment.
When you find ways to move that you actually enjoy, you're much more likely to stay consistent, experience the benefits, and build a healthier, stronger you.
At our Bari-IQ Project Retreats and free monthly Walk n Talk events, we help our community explore different types of movement without the pressure or judgment, just support and guidance toward a lifestyle you love.
Contact Tailor Clinics:
Reach out to our team via phone: 07 859 0185 or email: reception@tailorclinics.co.nz
Disclaimer: this blog post is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice. For more support please always seek the guidance of your relevant health practitioners.