You already know that consistency is key when reaching your fitness goals. But how do you know that the program you’re following is one you can stick with long-term? Results are important; however, the best fitness program isn’t only about results – it’s about finding a routine that fits your lifestyle, one that you enjoy and one that keeps you motivated as life happens.

These 20 questions can help ensure that you’ll not only have a strong start, but stay consistent with your fitness program for the long haul.

1. Does my current routine fit into my schedule without extra stress?

If your workout times don’t fit in well with your schedule, they can quickly feel like a burden. Consequently, they’ll likely be the first thing you sacrifice in order to get everything else done. If your routine leaves you feeling drained or scrambling for time, it might be time to adjust the frequency, duration, or even the type of workouts you’re doing to find a better balance.

2. Am I able to recover well between my workouts without feeling overly fatigued?

Recovery is essential to staying consistent with your fitness program. Prolonged soreness, fatigue and generally feeling drained might be indicators that you’re not leaving enough room for a proper recovery. Listen to your body and adjust your schedule as needed.

3. Do I enjoy the activities I’ve chosen, or do they feel like a chore?

If you don’t enjoy running, you don’t have to run. If dancing brings you joy, you can do that instead of trudging along on the treadmill. When exercise feels like a chore, it’ll be the first thing you take off your lengthy to-do list.

4. Can I see myself sticking with this program for the next 6 months or more?

If this is a crash course program to a finite goal, reconsider. Your fitness program should be something that you see yourself sticking with as a lifestyle, not just until you lose those 20 lbs for the cruise.

5. Am I progressing toward my goals at a steady and healthy pace?

Rapid weight loss is not a marker of healthy progress.

6. Is my routine balanced, including strength, cardio, flexibility and rest?

A well-rounded program helps you prevent injury and achieve sustainable results. The goal of any fitness program is first and foremost to remain injury-free. Also, it’s important to move your body in all planes of motion for balance, mobility and total body strength. Consider adding a yoga or mobility class in your weekly mix.

7. Do I feel energized and motivated after my workouts?

Once you assess your program, you’ll also need to ensure that your nutrition supports your training.

8. Am I eating enough whole foods to support my activity level?

Are you eating enough complex carbs, getting enough protein, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables each day to support your workouts? Feed your muscles, support your immune system and boost your energy with a whole foods diet.

9. Is my routine adaptable for days when I feel tired or need a lighter workout?

How do you plan to adjust the exercises when you’re on your period? What about when you’re easing back into training after having a cold? Do you have a plan for your active rest days? Your fitness program should be well-rounded and take into account your energy levels and monthly cycle.

10. Do I have enough time for rest and recovery between sessions?

Consider training 3 days on and taking one day off instead of training every day.

11. Am I listening to my body’s cues such as pain, fatigue or stress?

Your body is always communicating with you. Are you listening? It’s easier to listen when you allow enough time for rest between sessions. No pain no gain is outdated and false – pain is a sign that your body is asking you to slow down and reassess.

Related Post: How to Listen to Your Body

12. Does my routine help improve my overall mental health and well-being?

Your fitness program should be part of your self-care routine and address your whole self. When you exercise because you love your body and enjoy the activities you’ve chosen, you’re more likely to stay consistent.

13. Am I able to stay consistent without frequent interruptions or long breaks?

If you feel like you’re always starting over, it’s time to readjust. Consistency means doing what you can maintain for the long-term, not pushing through what you can do in the short-term.

14. Do I have a plan for managing busy periods or changes in my schedule?

If you work shifts or are in a busy period of your life, you’ll probably need to make changes to your program. Changes might be to the frequency and intensity so that you’re not depleted. If you can look ahead to a busy season and make adjustments, great! If not, pace yourself so that you don’t quit when you have to make changes to your schedule.

15. Is my routine aligned with my long-term health and fitness goals?

What are your long-term health and fitness goals? Aside from aesthetics, what else would you like to accomplish with your fitness and your health? For example, does your program include mat yoga and mobility if you want to become more flexible? Are you doing a weekly trail walk if you want to conquer a hiking trail? Are you working on assisted pull-ups on the way to being able to do them unassisted?

16. Am I varying my exercises enough to prevent boredom and burnout?

Re-evaluate your program every 6 weeks!

17. Is my routine doable without the gym or fancy equipment?

What’s your plan for inclement weather, gym closures or travel?

18. Do I feel any nagging injuries, aches and pains that might indicate overtraining?

Overuse injuries are common in fitness but they’re also preventable. If you’re experiencing nagging aches, it could be due to improper warm-ups and cool-downs, not allowing enough rest between sessions or lifting weights too heavy without proper form.

19. Do I need to hire a trainer to help with my form?

Sometimes you need to hire a professional to stand beside you and guide you through proper form and technique. If you’re experiencing repeat injuries, feeling confused by the equipment or constantly wondering am I doing this right? consider hiring a personal trainer.

20. Do I consider my fitness program part of my self-care routine?

Your program is never a punishment for what you ate or how you look. It should be part of your loving self-care routine. You deserve it!

I’ve been exercising consistently for over 20 years and these 20 questions are the filter through which I run all of my programs. My goal, like yours, is to exercise pain-free for life, to enjoy my workouts and to maintain my results.

All of this is only possible if you stay consistent with your fitness program.

So, how did your current program measure up? Where can you make adjustments?