“Your workout is our warm-up!”
“If you’re not drenched, you’re not done.”
“Push harder today, conquer more tomorrow.”
You’ve probably heard these quotes or similar ones before, or maybe you’ve been told that your workouts always need to be intense, pushing you to your limits. The idea that progress only comes from pushing yourself to the brink and enduring every bit of discomfort. I’ve heard them all, and I’ve said them too—and I meant it at the time.
But that’s not the whole story. Yes, intense workouts can be effective, but slow and controlled movements can yield amazing results too. The key is finding balance and consistency in your routine. Exercise is incredibly beneficial, but it’s also a form of stress on the body. If your life is already filled with stress—whether from work, family responsibilities, or just navigating daily challenges—don’t feel guilty if an intense workout isn’t what you need right now. Sometimes, the best choice is a gentler approach, like a yoga or mat Pilates class, which can help you reset, find calm, and restore both body and mind. Truly taking care of yourself means truly listening to what your body needs.
Just because you’re accustomed to pushing yourself to the limit doesn’t mean that anything less doesn’t matter. Even if you’re not going all out, a workout at 50 percent of your usual intensity is still a valuable investment in your well-being. Some days, simply completing the warm-up and deciding ‘that’s enough for today’ is perfectly okay. It’s still a positive step, and it honors what your body needs at the moment. Whether it’s a full workout, a light session, or choosing yoga or resistance bands for a gentler approach, every effort counts.
To help keep you motivated, try reframing why you’re training. The end goal doesn’t have to be a 200lb back squat or a sub-6-minute mile. The goal can just be to move, to have some time to yourself, or to have some time with someone else. Doing some exercise is still a huge positive, even if it doesn’t feel like you’re pushing to your absolute limits.
If you are struggling with training or have completely given up, here are a couple of suggestions that might help:
Exercise in the morning. We’ve all got a set amount of willpower, and it depletes as the day goes on. If you can get your exercise in before you start your day when your willpower is at its strongest, the chances of you doing something are much greater.
Pick easier workouts. A 30-minute walk counts as a workout. Three rounds of 10 squats and 10 sit-ups count as a workout. Just move. Pick something you love doing. Forget doing things because you want to be better at them or because they’re your weaknesses. Training should be fun at the best of times—it has to be fun in the current time.
If you’re struggling to make it into the gym, try these workouts:
Walking/Hiking Outdoors. Instead of the usual deadlifts or squats, why not take a different approach to movement? Try incorporating physical activity into your daily routine by taking your dog for a walk along the beach or hiking at Torrey Pines. These activities allow you to enjoy the outdoors, clear your mind, and get your body moving without it feeling like a chore. Whether it’s a stroll by the ocean or a trek through nature, you’ll find yourself reaping the benefits of exercise in a way that feels refreshing and enjoyable.
12-minute EMOM (every minute, on the minute):
- Minute one: squats
- Minute two: sit-ups
- Minute three: lunges
- Minute four: plank
Aim for 40 seconds of work each minute, giving you 20 seconds of rest.
Train with someone. If you live with someone, see if they want to join you in a workout. It doesn’t matter if your fitness levels or abilities are different—training together keeps you both accountable. Plus, it can make the experience more enjoyable and motivating. If you don’t live with someone, get outside and exercise with a friend, or connect over a video call and train together, even if you’re not doing the same routine. The important thing is that you’re staying active and supporting each other.
Life can be challenging enough without adding the pressure of a perfect workout routine. Don’t be hard on yourself if you’re not hitting your fitness goals every day. Just aim to do something, and if today doesn’t go as planned, that’s okay—there’s always tomorrow.
Need an accountability partner? We’re here to help keep you motivated and safe during training. Having someone in your corner can be the difference between sticking with your routine and giving up. Book a free intro session and let’s work together to achieve your fitness goals. Remember, consistency and self-compassion are key to long-term success.
