Everyone, everywhere, knows that regular exercise is essential to health. New studies emerge weekly that demonstrate the benefits of working out for your heart, eyes, and brain. An 80% reduction in cardiovascular disease, a 33% reduction in cancer risk, seven extra years of life expectancy, all thanks to regular workouts? It’s an offer few would refuse — in theory. 

In practice, however, exercise is hardly ubiquitous. Only 24% of American adults meet the CDC’s physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Why? Exercise can be inconvenient, boring, expensive, stressful, and just plain unpleasant. Your eyes may be on the prize — the numerous benefits to your health — but that doesn’t help you clear hurdles as they block the way to making exercise a consistent habit.

What does help? Getting to know the scope and nature of those hurdles and learning about techniques that have helped others.

We asked Embody readers to tell us what kept them from building a consistent exercise routine and what changes in approach enabled them to move forward.  Common themes for former exercise haters included the game-changing power of finding activities they enjoyed and connecting with others through their workout. Here, find real-world advice about the changes in mindset, activity, or approach that made workouts work for other people who struggled with exercise.

How to Start Working Out

“It’s about figuring out the activities that I love doing and finding good, supportive people to do them with. What has worked for me is road cycling with a large group of women who are organized and have figured out the routes. All I need to do is show up. I bring everyone coffee and snacks.” — Annie, Ohio

“Focus on finding enjoyment in moving your body rather than exercise as a form of punishment for weight gain.” — An Embody Reader 

“I do not believe in ‘willpower.’ I believe that you make choices all the time and these choices build your life. Even making a minuscule change can change your trajectory.  Many years ago, a friend had me try water aerobics with her. I loved it, and it has been my go-to activity for life. Keep trying out new activities until you find something you will do!” — Lorelei, Minnesota

“When I work toward a discrete goal in exercising (training for a race, completing a Peloton program) I find it easier to stick with it.”  — Jessica, Kansas

“I tried to go with a friend to the gym, yoga, dance, Zumba, barre, Pilates, or a walk, but I couldn’t always find someone. Now I ask multiple friends to join so I always have a body double. Or host a weekly or twice-weekly exercise session at your house, if possible.” — Farah, Massachusetts 

“My plans weren’t sustainable because they were too rigid or I focused on the end result. They felt like a chore. But my current exercise plan feels very reasonable; the goal is creating a habit. I plan to exercise three days a week for 10 minutes, either through HIIT, dance, Pilates, or stretching. If I don’t do all three days, that’s OK. As long as I do one day, I’m successful.”  — Summee, Arizona

“Engage in physical activity that brings me joy and connection rather than a dreaded, boring, painful task to punish myself for ‘overindulging.’” — Kristie, Washington

“Exercise routines can be boring and difficult to get into the habit of doing. It’s easier if I do little things often during the day and pair them with something else already in a routine.” — Colleen, Ireland

“I'm hoping to incorporate cycling to get to a friend’s place or groceries as a way to have a 'reward' after the exercise. Baby steps.” — Juni, Canada