Many of us strive to stay in shape but lack the willpower, follow-through and free time to see this goal through. As such, when developing a new exercise routine, it’s imperative to take a number of factors into account. For example, any fitness regimen you commit to should correlate to your physical abilities, stamina levels and schedule. If you’ve never had a regular workout routine, diving into one is liable to present certain challenges. In the interest of overcoming those challenges and getting the most out of a new routine, put the following pointers to good use.

Don’t Get Carried Away

In the leadup to starting a brand-new fitness routine, many people have a tendency to get carried away. Since they’re determined to see immediate results, they won’t hesitate to set goals that are completely unrealistic and commit to routines for which they currently lack sufficient strength and stamina. While there’s nothing wrong with getting serious about exercise, it’s important to take your limitations – both physical and otherwise – into account when deciding on a suitable workout routine.

So, when determining what kind of fitness regimen is right for you, make sure to consider a variety of factors. For example, if you haven’t exercised in a very long time, there’s a good chance your stamina levels are relatively low. While it’s possible to increase one’s stamina over time, you shouldn’t jump into an exercise routine that’s ill-suited to your current stamina levels. Instead, start small and gradually work your way up to tougher routines. Although this may entail not seeing the desired results as quickly as you’d prefer, it will do wonders for your long-term fitness prospects and set the stage for lasting success.

You should abstain from taking part in fitness routines that exacerbate existing medical conditions. Achieving your fitness goals isn’t worth compromising your long-term health. People suffering from hip tendonitis, for example, should avoid workouts that are likely to make this condition even more painful.

Don’t Quit Out of Frustration

Many people engage in fitness routines to enhance their physical appearance in some way. For instance, losing weight and building muscle mass are among the most common fitness goals worldwide. As such, when a certain fitness regimen fails to produce the results you seek within your desired time-frame, it’s only natural that you’d become discouraged. When this proves to be the case, people often assume that the results they wish to see are simply unattainable and give up on exercise altogether.

While such frustration is understandable, it’s important to remember that there are many possible explanations for why you’re not seeing your desired results. For one thing, the time-frame you set for yourself may have been completely unrealistic. Alternatively, the type of workout routine you selected may be a poor fit for the results you’re hoping to achieve. So, instead of throwing in the towel, sit down, consider possible explanations and amend your exercise routine and fitness goals accordingly.

Build a Fitness Support Network

Many of us do a better job of staying focused on our goals when we have active support from friends, family members and professional colleagues. This is true in the case of school, work and – of course – physical fitness. So, if any of the people in your inner circle are trying to get in shape, why not form a support network? This will enable you to provide one another with ample encouragement and regularly share your successes – and disappointments – with a group of supportive individuals. You can also swap exercise tips with members of your support network, which can prove useful to refining both your workout routine and long-term fitness goals.

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t want to be in the best shape possible. However, there’s a stark difference between wanting something and putting in the work to get it – and for a wide variety of reasons, many people simply don’t have the time, stamina or drive to tackle physical fitness in earnest. Still, even if you think you lack what it takes, there’s a good chance you’re selling yourself short. In the interest of being your best possible self and getting the most out of a new fitness regimen, utilize the previously discussed measures.