Starting a fitness journey can feel overwhelming. What workouts should you do? How often should you exercise? How do you stay consistent when motivation fades? I’ve given this a lot of thought—what would I tell someone just starting out? And more importantly, what do I wish I had known sooner?

After years of trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to three fitness rules I absolutely live by.

These rules keep me on track, even on the hardest days, and I know they can help you too!

1. Never Go Three Days Without Working Out

Life happens. We all have busy schedules, off days, and times when working out feels like the last thing we want to do. But here’s the deal—once that third day rolls around, you’re out of excuses. It’s time to get that booty moving! Skipping a day here and there is fine, but letting it stretch into three or more? That’s when habits start slipping. Even if it’s just a 20-minute walk or a quick bodyweight circuit, move your body before that three-day mark hits.

2. Choose a Day of the Week You Always Work Out

For me, it’s Mondays—I never miss a Monday workout. Why? Because starting my week with movement sets the tone for the rest of the week. It helps me feel accomplished and keeps me from falling into the “I’ll start next week” trap. Find a day that works for you and make it non-negotiable. Whether it’s Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday, make it a ritual!

3. Set a SMART Goal That Revolves Around Your Why

Fitness without a purpose can feel aimless. That’s why it’s crucial to set a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) that aligns with your why. Maybe you want to build strength, improve endurance, or simply feel more confident in your skin. Your goals can be short-term or long-term, but whatever they are, always follow rules #1 and #2 to stay on track.

Not a rule, but something I wish I would’ve figured out sooner – you can always make fitness work for you. If going to the gym feels daunting—whether due to anxiety, schedule conflicts, or just personal preference—find an alternative that works for you. There are no excuses when it comes to bettering yourself!

I personally prefer the gym, but last year, due to medical reasons, I was encouraged to work out at home and not lift heavy weights. At first, I wasn’t a fan, but now that I’ve experienced both, I love having options. My lifestyle is busy, so whether I have time to hit the gym or not, I always have a way to get my workout in.

My Simple Home Workout Setup: (I’ve added amazon links – check it out!)

🚲Stationary bike – Great for low-impact cardio, but also one heck of a sweat!
🏋️‍♀️Two sets of dumbbells (10 & 15 lbs) – Perfect for strength training and easy to store.
📺 YouTube workout videos – A game-changer for keeping things fresh and challenging! My favorite workout videos are by MadFit.

If you’re new to fitness, don’t feel like you have to go to a gym. Set yourself up for success with equipment you enjoy using so that working out always feels accessible and fun.

Starting your fitness journey doesn’t have to be complicated—just move, stay consistent, and set a goal that matters to you. Stick to these three rules, and you’ll be amazed at how fitness naturally becomes a part of your lifestyle.

What’s your #1 fitness rule? Or what do you wish you knew when you first started? Tell me on Instagram!