8 Fitness Habits That Last, According to the Experts

Reaching your health and fitness goals doesn’t require perfection—it requires persistence. 

We asked seasoned health pros to share the real game-changers: the little shifts that lead to lasting results. 

Whether you’re just getting started or stuck in a rut, these game-changing tips will help you simplify the process and build momentum—one small win at a time:

1. Win the Battle of Showing Up

Make sure you win the battle of showing up.

Forget the obsession with going all-in from day one. It’s not about chasing the hardest workouts or following a flawless diet – it’s about building the kind of habits that stick when motivation fades. 

Progress isn’t made in grand, dramatic efforts; it’s forged in the quiet repetition of small, smart choices.

Set a non-negotiable baseline – a few workouts a week, a daily movement goal, one solid meal choice at a time. Nail that first. When consistency becomes second nature, intensity can follow. But without that foundation? Even the best plan is just wishful thinking.

Gareth Luke, Founder, CMS Fitness Courses

2. Embrace Moderation

As someone passionate about health and wellness, I’ve learned that one simple principle leads to the most sustainable success: everything in moderation.

In a world dominated by restrictive diets and quick fixes, moderation is a refreshing—and powerful—approach.

It’s not about depriving yourself or following rigid rules. It’s about finding balance, listening to your body, and fueling it with whole, nourishing foods.

When you embrace moderation, you gain the freedom to make healthy choices that support your long-term well-being—without the restrictive diet burnout.

Jimmy Clare, Professional Keynote Speaker, Podcaster, Live Stream Host, and Autism Advocate, CrazyFitnessGuy

3. Find An Accountability Partner

Accountability is crucial, preferably from a coach or a group of trusted peers. 

This approach works in two ways: 

  1. Firstly, it keeps us honest when we are demotivated or without a plan. 
  2. Secondly, having a coach or a group of friends hold us accountable makes the whole experience more social. 

As humans, I believe having a social connection is a meaningful part of life.

Building a relationship with a coach or peer ensures you aren’t doing it alone, especially if your fitness journey doesn’t involve a team sport. 

So, don’t do it alone, because we are stronger together.

Sam Dooney, Physio, Dooney Physio and Performance

4. Treat Workouts Like Non-Negotiable Appointments

The #1 game-changing tip I recommend is to treat your workouts like appointments.

Schedule them, protect that time, and build your day around them.

In my early years of building the business, I used to train when I had time. However, when we started expanding internationally and my travel picked up, I’d miss entire weeks. 

My energy dropped, my sleep quality changed, and I started feeling the difference in both my body and focus. 

That’s when I made one simple rule: my training time should be non-negotiable, just like a meeting with a client or supplier.

Now I train four days a week. I block the time in my calendar, and my team knows I don’t schedule over it. 

That consistency has helped me lose weight, move better, and even make sharper decisions at work. It has become more than physical because it has given me back structure and confidence.

George Yang, Founder and Chief Product Designer, YR Fitness

5. Mix It Up to Stay Motivated

One of the best ways to stay consistent with your fitness goals? Keep things fresh. 

Repeating the same workout can lead to burnout or boredom. 

But when you mix it up—trying new classes, switching up environments, or exploring different types of movement—you stay mentally engaged and physically challenged.

Tools like ClassPass make this easy by offering access to a wide range of workouts and wellness services all in one place.

This means you can try a boxing class today, an infrared sauna session tomorrow and/or even a vitamin injection later in the week.

Whether it’s boxing one day, yoga the next, or recovery with a sauna session, variety helps you avoid plateaus and makes fitness feel fun again. 

The more you enjoy the process, the more likely you are to stick with it. 

So don’t be afraid to switch things up—it might just be the secret to staying on track.

Stefanee Clontz, Director of Operations, Hydra+

6. Don’t Overthink It: Health Is Built One Habit at a Time

Most people overcomplicate health and fitness. 

They chase trends, rely on extreme diets, or expect immediate results. 

But living a healthy lifestyle is much simpler than people realize.

Small, steady modifications lead to sustainable progress. Whether eating whole meals, taking regular walks, or getting better sleep, concentrate on one behavior at a time.

It can be as simple as choosing water instead of soda, incorporating vegetables into your meals, or establishing a consistent bedtime.

Relying on shortcuts may lead to short-term results, but long-term frustration. 

Focusing on simple, consistent habits prevents burnout. Progress takes time, but consistency delivers results. Prioritizing small changes creates a foundation for lifelong health.

Aspen Noonan, CEO, Elevate Holistics

7. Forget Perfect—Just Keep Going

Our #1 game-changing tip for achieving your health and fitness goals is consistency. 

Whether you are preparing for a fight or want to increase your fitness, regular training is important. 

Discipline is developed through consistency; consistency helps track our progress and assists us in achieving sustainable results. 

Not only does the work have to be done, even on low-motivation days, but it can be the very thing that drives you to your goals.

Liam McClorey, Director, Hardlife Fightwear

8. Start with Purpose: Use Breakfast to Set the Tone

A consistent, nutrient-dense breakfast can jumpstart your health and fitness journey. 

This first meal sets the metabolic tone for the day, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and helps prevent energy crashes and impulsive snacking later on.

A breakfast rich in protein and fiber—like Greek yogurt with berries and flaxseeds—keeps you full, focused, and energized well into the morning. It also revs up your metabolism, helping you burn more calories throughout the day.

Think of breakfast as your nutritional anchor. Start strong, and the rest of the day is more likely to follow.

Alex Cornici, Writer, Insuranks

Conclusion

There’s no secret formula to health and fitness—it’s about showing up, staying consistent, and keeping it simple.

Whether you’re building momentum or starting over, the game-changers shared here all point to one truth: lasting results come from small, repeatable wins.

Make movement non-negotiable. Start your day with purpose. Embrace moderation, not restriction. Stay curious, mix it up, and don’t go it alone.

Progress isn’t about being perfect—it’s about sticking with it when it counts most.

So take that next small step today. Your future self will thank you.

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