1. Make It as Convenient as Possible

One of the biggest reasons people skip workouts is inconvenience. If your gym is 30 minutes away, or you need to find your workout gear buried under a pile of laundry, you’re more likely to opt out. I have done a lot of work and invested a lot of money over the years to make working out more convenient. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but if it is a priority….make it happen!

• Pick a gym close to home or work.
• Set up a small home workout space with dumbbells, resistance bands, or even just a yoga mat.
• Lay out your workout clothes the night before so you can grab them and go.
• Choose workouts that fit your schedule—short, effective sessions are better than long, sporadic ones.
• Buy a walking pad – I have seen these as low as $99! You can walk while you work, you can walk while you watch TV, or you can walk and scroll on your phone!

2. Find a Workout Partner or Group

Accountability is a game-changer. When you commit to someone else, skipping a workout becomes harder.

• Join a fitness class or running club.
• Get a workout buddy—whether it’s a friend, partner, or colleague.
• Use social accountability, like sharing your progress on social media or joining an online fitness community.

Knowing someone is expecting you makes it much harder to hit snooze or bail on a session. What we did just over 3 years ago was start a workout group with mine and my husband’s families. There are currently about 8 participants, the weeks run Sunday-Saturday, and you have to do 3 workouts for at least 20 minutes each every week. These can be walks, yoga, lifting, etc. The point is to build discipline. You cannot opt out week to week, and if you do want to take a break, you can opt out at the end of a week and join in at the start of the next month if you want to come back. We send a pic for every workout, and anyone who doesn’t send 3 pics throughout the week owes every person in the group $5 each. We have only had someone pay one time in 3 years. In addition, some people have upped their commitment to 4 workouts a week or 45 mins each workout for more accountability. This leads me to the next point:

3. Create Real Accountability – Carrot and Stick Method

Discipline isn’t just about willpower; it’s about setting up rewards and consequences.

• The Carrot: Treat yourself when you hit workout milestones—new workout gear, a massage, or a guilt-free rest day.
• The Stick: Implement a consequence for skipping workouts. Maybe you donate money to a cause you don’t like or owe a friend $20 every time you miss a session. Our accountability group runs on a stick. NO ONE WANTS TO PAY!

4. Wake Up Early

Morning workouts remove the risk of life getting in the way. When you get it done first thing, excuses don’t have a chance to creep in.

• Set an alarm across the room so you have to get up.
• Prep everything the night before—clothes, water, pre-workout snack.
• Remind yourself how good it feels to start the day strong.

The first week might be tough, but once your body adjusts, morning workouts become a powerful habit.

5. Find Your Reason

Discipline becomes easier when you connect your workouts to a deeper purpose. Why do you want to exercise?

• Heart health – Living longer, avoiding diseases.
• Physical appearance – Looking toned, strong, and confident.
• Weight management – Staying at a healthy weight.
• General health – More energy, less stress, better sleep.
• Kids & family – Being active and present for your loved ones.
• Upcoming events – A wedding, vacation, or reunion.

Whenever you feel like skipping, remind yourself of why you started.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember: discipline beats motivation every time.