Some sample goals include: running a 5K without stopping, touching your toes, lifting your own weight above your head, and doing the splits. Some fitness programs and diets even discourage you from weighing or measuring yourself as you change your routines. [2] X Research source Getting bogged down in the look of your body can distract you from what it can do. Write down your goals in a notebook and set an alarm to look at them in 3 months, 6 months, or a year.

Some races and events, like marathons, have a somewhat standardized recommended training schedule. [5] X Research source It’s okay to have smaller mini-goals. For instance, you may want to increase your resistance by 10% every 2 weeks on a certain exercise. Remember that working out every day is a goal in and of itself.

Though it can’t replace an instructor who watches you in person, the Internet has many reliable fonts of fitness information. Start with the President’s Council on Fitness page. If you aren’t ready to venture outside with your fitness routine, there are plenty of workouts on YouTube that you can do at home with no equipment. Try Blogilates or Fitness Blender.

Is it easy for you to get to? Is it usually full? Can you easily access equipment? Do you feel comfortable around the other members?

If you’re trying to figure out what you like, try a service like Groupon or ClassPass. These offer a discounted pack of classes, so you can figure out if you’re really into hot yoga or spinning before committing to them.

Walk up and down flights of stairs instead of taking elevators or escalators, and park your automobile in the farthest spot away from your destination to increase your daily activity in the beginning. If you’re too tired for a full workout one day but still want to move, take a long walk or do house or yard work.

You can split your workout into chunks if necessary (for instance, running before breakfast and Pilates after work). Make a new color in your calendar for fitness, and officially mark off a block of time for it every day. Choose a time that complements your daily schedule. For example, if you join a gym located near your place of work, you can exercise early in the morning before you go to work, or in the afternoons or evenings following your work shift.

Try to find a buddy who’s at a similar level to you, so you can grow together. If one of you is much more experienced than the other, it might throw off the “buddy” power dynamic. If you’re a long-distance runner and you live in a town or city, there are probably multiple running groups you can join. Ask around!

If you keep your gym bag in your room, consider keeping it some place that is easy to see. This might help motivate you for the next day. If you keep your equipment in the car, remember to take it home each day so that you can clean your clothes and air out your bag.

Be sure to do a comprehensive stretching routine that stretches all the major muscle groups.

For instance, you might jump rope or do a half-hour YouTube Zumba routine that challenges you. If all else fails, turn on your favorite music and have a solo dance party

You might have to experiment to find things you like, but that’s part of the journey.

If you feel self-conscious about your music, put on some headphones so that only you can hear it. If you’re stuck on finding the perfect jams, services like Spotify and IHeartRadio often curate workout playlists, so start with those.

Build off of something you’ve done before. If you’ve liked Zumba, maybe it’s time to try a salsa dancing class. Alternately, try something totally different. If you love lifting weights, yoga just might increase your core strength and your mental clarity.

Pick a trainer you feel comfortable with. You won’t be able to improve if you feel scared, intimidated, or talked down to. You don’t need to go every week–a good trainer will help you craft a routine that continues to grow with you.

Eat carbs if you’re going to be doing lots of cardio. Whole grains, berries and fruits contain slow-burning sugars that will keep you going. [16] X Research source Protein reinforces strength and weight training. Grilled chicken and spinach is a classic post-workout meal, while chocolate milk provides the right proportion of protein to carbs in a convenient post-workout drink. [17] X Research source

There is nothing wrong with taking a day off from working out. In fact, many trainers recommend this, as it allows your body to recoup and recover.