We’ve all been there: You start strong with a new workout plan, only to lose steam a few weeks later. Whether it’s Pilates, running, yoga, or strength training, staying consistent is often the hardest part of any fitness journey.

Motivation isn’t something you have to wait for—it’s something you can create. Here are five tried-and-true tips to help you stay consistent and connected to your workout routine:

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1. Start Small and Stay Realistic

One of the biggest motivation-killers is trying to do too much too soon. Instead of committing to hour-long workouts every day, aim for just 10–20 minutes to start—especially with something like Pilates, where quality of movement matters more than quantity.

Why it works: Small wins build momentum. Once exercise feels doable, it becomes easier to stick with.

The more stress that my body is undergoing in a workout, the less I come back to it. The true way to keep going and keep being consistent is listening to your body, not pushing through.

(Click here for more motivational tips)

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2. Schedule Your Workouts Like Appointments

Treat your workouts with the same importance as a meeting or doctor’s appointment. Put them in your calendar. Set a reminder. Don’t leave it up to chance. I have seen a girl on tiktok who was getting a job, and she kept her availability around her workout classes because working out for her was equally important.

Why it works: Consistency thrives on structure. A scheduled workout is more likely to happen than a spontaneous one.

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3. Create a Space You Enjoy

Whether it’s a corner of your living room for mat Pilates or a full gym setup, having a dedicated, inviting space helps trigger the habit. Add a candle, a speaker for music, or a motivational quote nearby.

Why it works: A pleasant environment reduces resistance. It signals your brain that it’s time to move. Treat it like it is an important and necessary part of your life because it is.

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4. Track Progress—But Go Beyond the Scale

Keep a journal of how you feel after each session. Are you sleeping better? Feeling stronger? Less anxious? Take progress pics or record how many reps you can do over time. We often don’t see the progress because let’s be honest, most of us get body dysmorphia.

Why it works: Noticing positive changes boosts intrinsic motivation—and reminds you why you started.

(Click here to read more about how we should be looking at our bodies instead!)

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5. Remember Your “Why”

What’s your deeper reason for working out? Maybe it’s to feel more energized for your kids, manage stress, or reconnect with your body. Write it down. Revisit it often—especially on the hard days. For me, it creates discipline, it helps my ADHD calm down, and it diminished my overthinking. Rotting was finally productive.

Why it works: Purpose is more powerful than pressure. When you know why you’re moving, the motivation follows.

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Final Thought:

Motivation isn’t always loud or exciting. Sometimes, it’s quiet discipline, showing up for yourself even when it’s tough. The key is to build routines that support you, not punish you—and to find joy in the journey, not just the results.