Ways to Work Out the Kinks in Your Workout Plan

The other day, I was in the middle of a home therapy session with my son. We were doing a Brain Gym exercise, and I challenged him to balance on one leg for 30 seconds. He grinned mischievously and replied, “Your turn, Mom!” Before I knew it, we were deep in a “Who Can Balance Longer?” game—laughing, wobbling, and counting together. Moments like these remind me that exercise doesn’t have to be rigid to be effective; it can be spontaneous, playful, and tailored to fit into the cracks of a busy life.

I’ve learned that routines must often bend to accommodate life’s unpredictability. And let’s be honest: between work, parenting, and the myriad of responsibilities we juggle, sticking to a strict workout plan can feel like a pipe dream. But here’s the good news: fitness isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding ways to move that work for you, even on the most chaotic days.

 Finding My Fitness Groove

In the past, I’ve tried to follow those polished workout plans you see online—the ones with colour-coded calendars and hour-long sessions. They never lasted long. But my son taught me something profound: movement doesn’t have to follow a set formula. When he used to jump around for vestibular stimulation, we gradually turned it into “exercise challenges”—squats, stretches, or following fun YouTube videos. We counted reps, celebrated with high fives, and made it a bonding experience.

Now, I’ve stopped striving for the perfect workout routine. Instead, I focus on incorporating movement into my day in natural ways. If my son decides to move, I move with him. When he’s practising counting squats, I join in. I’m all in when he challenges me to another round of balance games. It’s not about hitting a specific calorie count or time frame; it’s about being consistent, even if that consistency looks a little different each day.

 How to Work Out the Kinks in Your Workout Plan

If you’ve been struggling to stick to a fitness routine, here are some ideas that have worked for me and might inspire you:

1.      Make Movement Fun

When you’re doing something you enjoy, it doesn’t feel like a chore. Turn your workout into a game—whether it’s a “counting challenge” with your kids, dancing to your favourite songs, or timing yourself to see how many squats you can do in a minute. Fun is the secret ingredient to consistency.

2.      Go with the Flow

Life is unpredictable, and that’s okay. Break it into smaller chunks if you can’t fit in a complete workout. Ten minutes of yoga in the morning, a quick walk in the afternoon, or join your kids for a stretch session before bed—it all counts. Some movement is better than none.

3.      Involve Your Family

Fitness doesn’t have to be a solo endeavour. Moving together can strengthen bonds and build a shared sense of accomplishment. Whether walking, playing a sport, or doing a fun exercise video, involving your family makes fitness feel less like work and more like quality time.

4.      Celebrate Small Wins

Every step counts, no matter how small. Finished a 5-minute workout? Celebrate! Reached 1,000 steps on your pedometer? Celebrate! Positive reinforcement—a high five, a “great job,” or even a moment to acknowledge your effort—can boost your motivation and keep you moving forward.

5.      Redefine Success

Remember, exercise isn’t just about physical health and mental and emotional well-being. If your workout helps you feel energized, happy, or less stressed, that’s a success. Focus on how movement makes you feel rather than how it looks on paper.

 Movement as a Lifestyle

These days, my workouts are far from conventional. They’re playful, messy, and often interrupted—but mine. They fit into the rhythm of my life, not the other way around. And you know what? That’s enough. Because, at the end of the day, movement is about more than fitness. It’s about joy, connection, and showing up for yourself in whatever way you can.

So, let’s let go of perfection and embrace possibility. Start small, be flexible, and find what works for you. You don’t need a perfect plan; you just need to start. And who knows? You might discover that the best workout buddy is right beside you, challenging you to balance on one leg and cheering you on every step of the way.

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 Recommended Products for Your Workout RoutineResistance Bands with Handles: Great for strength training and stretching exercises, resistance bands are versatile and easy to use at home. Look for sets with varying resistance levels.Yoga Mat: A high-quality, anti-slip yoga mat ensures comfort during stretching, core workouts, or mindfulness activities.Adjustable Dumbbells: Ideal for strength training, adjustable dumbbells save space and allow you to customize weights per your fitness level.Mini Exercise Bike or Pedal Exerciser: These are compact and excellent for light cardio workouts, especially while working at a desk or relaxing at home.Fitness Tracker: Monitoring your activity levels can help you stay consistent and motivated. Look for a tracker with step count, heart rate, and sleep monitoring features.Ab Wheel Roller: This equipment is perfect for core strength and stability exercises, which can be fun and challenging.