If you’re looking to finally get fit or just live a healthier life overall, creating a new fitness routine is the necessary first step — but it’s also the hardest part for most people. Whether you’re a student, a busy mom or a successful entrepreneur, finding time to work out can feel like one more (unenjoyable) thing you need to add to your to-do list. And, like I did, you probably feel that if you’re ever going to get in shape you need exercise for hours at a time, doing repetitive exercises and boring cardio.

The good news is that starting a new fitness routine is much easier than you think. You don’t have to sacrifice hours of your precious time in order to see results.

In fact, spending just a few minutes each day getting your sweat on will relieve stress, increase energy and help you feel stronger and more motivated to take on life’s toughest challenges.

How to Start a New Fitness Routine

No matter what anyone says, there is no magic bullet or secret workout “must-do” in order to get results. It truly comes down to finding activities you enjoy doing and sticking with them — and if you don’t enjoy your workout, you won’t stick with it. 

The goal is to also find things that you can do consistently over time that challenge you but also allow you to feel confident in doing so. 

Even if you only have five minutes to work out, it IS worth it! Following are some easy ways to add exercises into your day, and once you start to feel and see the impact those five minutes are having, you’ll easily want to make it 10 or 20. This will make setting (and achieving!) your goals that much easier, and you’ll also be more motivated to find and follow the get-fit plan that’s right for you!

Easy Ways to Add in Exercises:

• Do set of squats or lunges while you cook dinner

• five-minute ab workout before bed 

• Give exercises at your desk a whirl

Setting Your Goals:

While it’s important to have big goals that you will achieve over time, creating smaller goals is even more motivational. Those small goals are what keep you going and allow you to enjoy the journey. Put together a list with your No. 1 goal at the top, followed by a bunch of smaller goals below. 

For example, if your big goal is to lose 20 pounds, your smaller goals may include: 

• working out five times each week, consistently

• doing a sugar detox

• replacing all the junk food in your cabinets with healthy, nutritious snacks

• cutting down on cocktails

Having smaller goals that help you achieve your big ones will give you reasons to celebrate along the way, which gives you motivation to keep going!

Finding a Plan That’s Right for You:

Goals are great, but having a plan will keep you motivated to make those goals happen! 

I know that if you truly create a lifestyle change, you need to find workouts and meals that work for YOU! The best exercises in the world won’t make a difference if you don’t do them. 

So if you’re ready to dive into a new, healthier version of you, write down your goals, have a plan and remember: Good things come to those who sweat!