Stop Overcomplicating It: How to Build a Workout Routine That Actually Sticks
By Brooke — Your gym bestie who actually shows up at 5am. Will make you love leg day. ·
Let’s Get Real About Your Routine
Happy June, everyone! If you’re reading this from somewhere that isn’t the literal surface of the sun (sorry, Scottsdale friends—we’re currently living in an oven), I hope you’re having the best start to your summer.
I was looking through my DMs yesterday and noticed a pattern. So many of you are asking the same version of the same question: “Brooke, I feel like I’m doing everything, but I’m not getting anywhere. What should my actual workout routine look like?”
I get it. When I was going through my own rough patch in my teens—dealing with a lot of anxiety and a really unhealthy relationship with food—I thought a “good” workout routine meant spending two hours in the gym doing whatever magazine cover models were doing. I was exhausted, burnt out, and honestly? I was miserable. Fitness should be the thing that keeps you grounded, not the thing that adds more chaos to your plate.
The “Less is More” Philosophy
If you want a workout routine that sticks, you have to stop treating it like a chore you’re checking off a list. We need to move from “I have to work out” to “I get to move my body.”
When I design plans for my online clients, I never start with the “perfect” aesthetic routine. I start with their lifestyle. If you’re a night owl, why are you forcing yourself to do 5am cardio? If you have zero equipment at home, why are you stressing about not having a squat rack?
Your routine needs to be sustainable. If you can only commit to three days a week consistently, that is infinitely better than six days a week for two weeks until you crash and burn. Consistency is the secret sauce—it’s the only thing that actually moves the needle.
The Pillars of a Balanced Week
I’ve found that for most people, the “sweet spot” for a balanced week includes a mix of movement patterns. You don’t need to be a pro athlete, but you should move like a human. Here is how I structure a standard, effective week:
- Strength Training (3-4 days): This is your non-negotiable. Whether you’re using dumbbells, kettlebells, or just your own body weight, you need resistance. This builds the muscle that keeps your metabolism humming and, more importantly, makes you feel strong and capable in your daily life.
- Active Recovery (2-3 days): Please, for the love of everything, don't sit on the couch all day on your “off” days. Go for a walk, do some light yoga, or head to the pool. Move your blood around! It helps with soreness and keeps your mental health in check.
- The “Joy” Factor (1 day): Do something you actually like. Maybe that’s a hike up Camelback, a dance class, or just playing frisbee with your dog. If it doesn’t feel like a workout, you’re doing it right.
How to Audit Your Own Schedule
Take a look at your calendar for next week. Be honest with yourself. Are you trying to cram in 90-minute sessions when you know you only have 45? That’s where the frustration comes from.
Try this:
1. Block the time: Treat your workout like a dentist appointment. It’s non-negotiable. 2. Pick your “Minimum Viable Workout”: When you’re tired or busy, what’s the 20-minute version of your workout you can do? Maybe it’s just three sets of squats and push-ups. Keep it simple so you never have to skip entirely. 3. Focus on the feeling: After you finish, take ten seconds to notice how you feel. Are you more energized? Is your mind clearer? That feeling is your “why.” Chase that.
Stop Waiting for the “Perfect” Moment
I see so many people waiting for the perfect Monday, the perfect gym membership, or the perfect energy levels to start. Let me tell you a secret: the perfect moment doesn’t exist.
When I was starting my fitness journey, I was terrified of the weight room. I felt like everyone was watching me, and I had no idea what I was doing. But I showed up anyway—even if I just did 15 minutes on the treadmill and left. That was the start. Your routine doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. It just has to be yours.
Fitness saved me when things felt really heavy, and I truly believe it can be a source of light for you, too. It’s not about how fast you run or how much you squat; it’s about showing up for yourself, especially on the days you don’t want to. That’s where the magic happens.
So, what are you doing for your movement today? Even if it’s just a 15-minute walk outside, go do it. You deserve to feel good in your own skin.
What does your current routine look like? Are you feeling stuck, or are you in a good flow? I love hearing about what you guys are working on, so drop a comment below or shoot me a DM. Let’s chat about how to get you moving in a way that actually feels good—no punishment, just progress.
Talk soon, bestie!