How to Make Going to the Gym a Part of Your Weekly Routine

We’ve all been there – you start off the week with every intention of making it to the gym, but somehow, life happens. Work meetings run late, the kids need your attention, and before you know it, another week goes by without a single workout. Sound familiar? If getting to the gym consistently feels like a challenge, you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: making the gym a regular part of your weekly routine isn’t as hard as it might seem. With a few small changes and a little planning, you can go from “I’ll try to work out this week” to “The gym is just part of my routine.” Let’s talk about how you can make it happen.

1. Schedule It Like an Appointment

If you wait for the “perfect” time to go to the gym, it might never happen. Life is always going to throw curveballs, so the best way to stay consistent is to treat your gym sessions like any other appointment. Block off specific times in your calendar and stick to them like you would a meeting or doctor’s appointment.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t cancel on an important work meeting, right? So why cancel on yourself? When it’s scheduled, it becomes non-negotiable, and over time, it’ll start to feel like just another part of your week.

2. Start Small and Be Realistic

If you’re currently not making it to the gym at all, don’t set yourself up for failure by aiming for five days a week right away. Start with a realistic goal, like going to the gym two or three times a week. Once you build that habit, you can always add more days later.

Remember, it’s better to start small and succeed than to go all-in, burn out, and quit. Consistency is what builds long-term success – even if that means shorter, less frequent workouts at first.

3. Find a Workout You Actually Enjoy

This one’s big. If you dread going to the gym because you hate the workouts, it’s going to be a struggle to stay consistent. The secret to making the gym part of your weekly routine is finding a workout that you actually enjoy. Whether it’s lifting weights, spinning, CrossFit, or a group class, find something that you look forward to – or at least don’t mind doing!

When working out is fun (or at least not something you dread), you’ll be more likely to stick with it long-term. And if you haven’t found your thing yet, experiment with different types of workouts until something clicks.

4. Make It Convenient

The more barriers there are to getting to the gym, the easier it is to skip. That’s why convenience is key. If your gym is too far away or requires too much time to get to, it’s time to rethink your options.

Find a gym that’s close to home or work, or even consider investing in some home gym equipment if that works better for your schedule. The easier it is to get to the gym, the less mental energy you’ll spend debating whether or not to go.

5. Pack Your Gym Bag Ahead of Time

This one seems simple, but it can make a big difference. If your gym bag is packed and ready to go, it eliminates one more excuse not to work out. Whether you’re heading to the gym before work, after work, or during your lunch break, having your clothes, shoes, and water bottle ready to go takes the guesswork out of it.

Try packing your bag the night before and keeping it by the door, so you’re ready to grab it and go without any added hassle.

6. Don’t Rely on Motivation – Build Discipline

Here’s the thing about motivation: it comes and goes. Some days, you’ll be excited to hit the gym, and other days, the last thing you’ll want to do is leave your couch. That’s normal. The key to making the gym a part of your weekly routine is to build discipline, not rely on motivation.

Discipline is what kicks in when motivation runs dry. The more you show up, even on the days you don’t feel like it, the easier it becomes to stick with it. And the best part? Once you start seeing results and feeling better, those days when you want to go to the gym will start to outweigh the days you don’t.

7. Find an Accountability Partner

If you’re someone who struggles to stay consistent on your own, finding a workout buddy or accountability partner can be a game-changer. When someone else is counting on you to show up, you’re less likely to bail on your workout. Plus, it makes the gym a lot more fun when you’ve got someone to share the experience with.

If you don’t have a gym buddy, consider joining a group class or finding a personal trainer who can help keep you on track.

8. Reward Yourself

Positive reinforcement works wonders when it comes to building new habits. Set small goals for yourself, and reward yourself when you hit them. Maybe it’s treating yourself to a new pair of workout shoes after hitting the gym three times a week for a month, or a massage after completing a tough week of workouts.

By celebrating your wins (big or small), you’ll feel more motivated to keep going and make the gym a regular part of your routine.

The Bottom Line

Making the gym a part of your weekly routine isn’t about finding more time – it’s about prioritizing yourself and building habits that stick. By scheduling your workouts, starting small, and finding ways to make it convenient and enjoyable, you’ll set yourself up for success.

And remember, consistency is the key. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about showing up, doing the work, and making the gym a regular part of your life. Before you know it, working out won’t feel like an obligation – it’ll just be something you do, like brushing your teeth or grabbing your morning coffee!