We all understand the importance of exercise, but turning that knowledge into action is a different challenge. To truly benefit from exercise, it needs to become as routine as brushing your teeth—something you do regularly, not just occasionally. Consistency is key to achieving lasting results.
So, how do you make exercise a natural part of your daily life? Here are five tips to help you build that habit, stay committed, and discover the joy in your fitness journey.
#1 Have Your “Why”
What makes the difference between staying on the couch and heading to the gym? It’s not willpower alone—it’s your why. When you understand why fitness matters to you, it transforms from a chore into something you’re drawn to. Exercise becomes more than a task; it becomes a part of who you are.
Why do you want to exercise? Why is it a must for you? Understanding this is the first step in making fitness a lifelong habit.
For me, I don’t go to the gym because I have to—I go because I want to live a long, healthy life. I want to indulge in the sweetness of life guilt-free, set an example for my kids, and feel confident in my strength. These reasons drive me, even on days when motivation is low.
If you’d like to read further into my why, check out my article, “Find Your Why: The 5 Reasons That Keep Me Committed to Strength Training.“
Your “why” is personal. Maybe you want to feel stronger, manage stress, or feel more confident in your skin. It might be about staying healthy for your family or just wanting to feel good. When you know your why, it becomes easier to push yourself, especially on days when you’d rather skip the workout. So, take a moment to reflect—what are your reasons? What makes fitness non-negotiable for you?
#2 Find What You Like
One of my biggest game-changers was realising that I don’t enjoy training alone in a commercial gym. I used to find excuses not to go. Creating my own workout program felt confusing, and without guidance, it was easy to give up. But then, I found my groove in group training. The structure was already there for me, and the sense of community kept me coming back. I now train at D8 Training, I walk into a small group class where everything is set up for me. No thinking, just doing, surrounded by a wonderful community of people—and I love that.
The key here is to find what you like. It might take some trial and error, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Some people thrive in traditional gyms, while others prefer CrossFit, F45, boxing, or yoga. Maybe you love the energy of a BodyPump class, or perhaps you enjoy outdoor boot camps or home workouts. The point is, there’s no right or wrong answer. The best workout is the one you enjoy and stick with. Find what lights you up, and keep exploring until you do.
#3 Make It Fit Your Schedule
Life is busy, especially if you have kids or a demanding job. But when fitness is a priority, you make time for it, even if it means adjusting your routine as life changes.
I know a busy executive who wakes up at 6 a.m. every morning, gets in a 40-minute workout before her kids wake, and then starts her day. For her, fitness is non-negotiable, and she’s found a way to make it work with her schedule. It doesn’t matter if you train early in the morning, during your lunch break, or after the kids go to bed—just make sure you carve out the time.
At one stage I chose to train in boxing because it was conveniently located at the same place where my kids attended their Ninja Warrior classes. While they trained, I took the opportunity to work out at the same time.
When you’re committed to your health, you’ll find a way to fit it in, even if it means adjusting your routine regularly. Life happens, and your schedule will change, but adaptability is key. If you can’t make it to a gym, there are plenty of online resources and apps that offer guided workouts you can do from home. YouTube, for example, is full of high-quality, at-home fitness routines.
#4 Get an Accountability Partner
Some people, like my husband Neven, have an incredible ability to stay disciplined and motivated on their own. Neven is so committed that he once missed my mum’s birthday party because it clashed with his gym night. He’s flexible now with kids, but his dedication is unwavering.
For most of us, though, it’s easier to stay consistent with a little help. If you can find someone to train with—whether it’s a friend, partner, or trainer—you’ll be more likely to stick to your fitness plan. I love having people around me when I train.
If you’re just starting out, consider working with a trainer 1:1. They’ll help you build confidence, keep you accountable, and set you up for success. Over time, you can transition to group classes or training on your own. Having someone to guide and push you, especially in the beginning, is worth the investment.
Training has now become such an integral part of my lifestyle that I no longer need an accountability partner. Even when I was away recently, I made it a point to hit the hotel gym every day. That said, I still thrive on the energy of group workouts, which is why I’m so passionate about the D8 Training Group classes.
#5 Speak to Supportive People About Your Fitness Journey
When you’re starting a fitness journey, it’s important to talk to the right people—those who will uplift you, not hold you back. Not everyone understands the commitment it takes to make fitness a priority, and some may unintentionally discourage you. Their good intentions might actually undermine your efforts.
I remember a friend who had just given birth and was excited to start exercising again. When she asked for advice, another mother told her not to worry about her weight and to just focus on her baby. While the advice came from a good place, it discouraged my friend, who had been looking forward to getting active again.
The lesson? Share your fitness journey with people who get it. Surround yourself with those who are already on their own fitness journey or those who will cheer you on, no matter what. They’ll motivate you to keep going, especially when the going gets tough.
There you have it—my five reasons for training and my five tips for building a strong fitness habit. Fitness is more than just a physical transformation; it’s a journey that strengthens your body and mind, helps you set an example for your loved ones, and keeps you grounded when life gets tough.
No matter where you are on your journey, take the time to discover your why, find what you enjoy, and make it a must. When fitness becomes a non-negotiable part of your life, you’ll be amazed at the ripple effect it has on everything else. And remember, the hardest part is often just showing up—but once you do, everything else falls into place.
Leave a comments below about how you plan to make training a non-negotiable part of your life. Let this community cheer you on and support you in reaching your goals.
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