If you’ve ever felt like you need the perfect workout plan before you start, you’re not alone. Most people don’t quit because they hate exercise — they quit because they try to do too much, too fast, or pick routines they don’t actually enjoy. December is a time when we’re already busy and distracted, so piling on pressure with a complicated plan is a quick way to set yourself up for frustration. Let’s simplify things from the very beginning.
Strength training doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. You don’t need a six-day split, fancy equipment, or the “perfect” program. What you do need is something simple enough that you’ll actually stick with. Consistency beats optimization every time. A simple routine done regularly will always outperform the “ideal” workout you never follow.
Start with movement you enjoy (yes, really)
One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting strength training is doing what they think they should do instead of what they’ll actually do consistently. If you hate going to the gym, lifting barbells, or doing high-intensity workouts, forcing yourself into that routine is a fast track to burnout. Instead, ask yourself:
- What kind of movement feels approachable?
- What sounds least intimidating?
- What would I do even on a low-energy day?
Then start there. Doing something consistently is far more powerful than doing the “right” thing once.
A real-life example
When I first started going to the gym, I didn’t jump into an intense strength routine. I did what I actually enjoyed — the elliptical. I’d get on, turn on the Real Housewives, and just zone out. No pressure. No performance goals. No “this has to look a certain way.”
Once that felt normal, I added one arm exercise after my cardio. Later, I mixed in short run/walk intervals on the treadmill and a couple more arm exercises. Nothing flashy. Nothing all-in.
What this did do was something far more important: it made me not dread going to the gym. That low-pressure approach made showing up feel easy instead of overwhelming, and that’s what created consistency. Not motivation. Not discipline. Just letting myself enjoy being there. That’s how routines are built — not by forcing yourself into workouts you hate, but by giving yourself permission to start with what feels doable.
Routine > results (at first)
Most people start strength training focused on outcomes — fat loss, toning, muscle, or confidence. Those things matter, but your first goal should be building a routine. Before your body changes, your habits must. Early wins might look like:
- Showing up twice this week
- Doing a short workout instead of skipping entirely
- Getting stronger at one movement
- Feeling less awkward and more confident
The results come because you build the habit — not the other way around.
Stop thinking in extremes
Trying to go from nothing to everything in one week is a fast track to quitting. Strength training doesn’t have to be:
- All or nothing
- Perfect or pointless
- Hard every time
- A full hour
Some movement is always better than none. Two days a week is a win. Ten minutes counts. An imperfect workout still works. You’re not failing unless you quit completely.
How to choose your “starting point” workout
If you’re starting from scratch (or starting over), here’s how to choose a routine that actually works for you:
Pick something you’ll do:
- At home or the gym — whichever feels easier
- Equipment or no equipment — both work
- Short or long — start with what fits your life now
Pick a realistic schedule:
- 2–3 days/week is perfect for beginners
- More isn’t better if it’s not sustainable
Pick simplicity over intensity:
- Learn the movements before chasing difficulty
- Build confidence before chasing calories
You can always optimize later. Right now, your only job is starting.
Coming next: what to do when you’re ready for structure
Once you’ve built the habit, then we get strategic. In the next post, I’ll break down:
- What a full-body workout actually is
- The five basic movement patterns everyone should train
- How to build a complete routine using just your bodyweight
No jargon. No overwhelm. Just simple, effective structure.
If you want support instead of guessing…
Starting alone can feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to. If you’d rather follow a simple, guided plan instead of overthinking your routine:
- My Beginner Strength Training program walks you through everything step by step
- My Level Wellness On Demand workouts are perfect for starting with a varitey filled routine
Start small. Stay consistent. Build from there. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.
