If you are still hanging with your 2026 fitness resolution, you are doing great! As with most healthy habits, the concept is always easier than the practice. Sticking with a workout routine is definitely one of those habits that is easy to say and more difficult to do. If you are looking for ways to keep you interested, there are plenty of options. Here are some numerical routines to think about when you start to notice your exercise ambitions fading.
3-2-1 Workout: A weekly 3-2-1 routine consists of three days of strength training, two days of Pilates, and one day of cardio. The extra/seventh day is a rest day. The order of the exercise modes during the week are up to you. The only note to keep in mind is to work different muscle groups if doing two consecutive days of strength training. This simple method can mix in some things you’re not used to doing that you might find enjoyable.
4-1-1 Workout: This is simply a variation of the 3-2-1 method. It adds an extra strength training day in place of a Pilates day. There is nothing groundbreaking about either method except that they specifically introduce Pilates. Pilates is used because it brings newness to the traditional strength/cardio trip to the gym. Even if trying Pilates is not your idea of a good time, you can use those days as some sort of flexibility and core strength day. The added strength day to this routine emphasizes how strength training is overlooked by some and the benefits of it are there for the taking.
20-Minute Workouts: As you rotate through different routines to keep things interesting, don’t sleep on the simplicity of a 20-minute workout. This can be used if traveling and short on equipment or if you just want a week off from the mental grind of performing your regular/full routine. With a short workout, focus on bodyweight exercises and perform them with pace. Move from one exercise to the next with little or no break. A simple internet search of “full body workout” can produce a lot of options. Make a list of 10 that you perform for two minutes each or even 20 for one minute each. The old PE class calisthenics are a great place to start, and you can find more creative examples to complete your list.
70/30 Rule of Fitness: This numeral nomenclature is more about a ratio than a workout routine. The 70/30 rule suggests that health and fitness is 70% nutrition and 30% exercise. Usually this refers to weight management results. Taking it a step further, it is useful for overall health results, not just losing weight. Whether the topic is weight management, disease, or bodily function, nutrition is always the main driver. The concept: the higher quality of fuel we use the better our bodies perform. It is simple. The practice: consistently making nutrition choices that help our bodies be their healthiest. That is much more difficult but not impossible.
As you evaluate how you are doing in maintaining your 2026 fitness resolution, remember that consistency is most important. The numbers above offer a couple of examples to try and keep things interesting. You will go through periods of burnout. Anything is better than nothing. Use short workouts a few times per week to make it through those feelings of burnout and come out on the other side ready to go.
