You ever notice how everyone’s obsessed with fixing their workout? Like it’s a broken faucet or something. People think they’re gonna walk into the gym, wave a magic dumbbell, and BAM—six-pack abs. Doesn’t work like that! Trust me, I’ve tried it.

Maybe you’re out there jumping around, lifting weights, sweating all over the place, and then… nothing. But here’s the thing—maybe it’s not your workout that’s broken. Maybe it’s you. Yeah, you. Let’s talk about how to stop messing around and actually fix this thing. Because honestly, nobody’s got time for another year of bad gym selfies.

How to Fix Your Workout

Most people embark on a fitness journey because they believe that by achieving a certain goal—whether it's losing 20, 30, or even 50 pounds—they'll find happiness. But here's the thing: happiness isn't just about hitting a number on the scale or fitting into a certain size of jeans. It's about how you feel overall—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Unfortunately, common approaches to nutrition and fitness often leave people feeling frustrated, not fulfilled. If you're one of those people, you're not alone. The good news is, you can fix your workout routine to help you achieve more than just physical results—you can create a program that helps you feel happier, more confident, and more in control of your life.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Create a Sustainable Plan

It’s tempting to jump on the latest fitness trend or crash diet, but ask yourself: Can I sustain this for the long-term? If the answer is no, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Instead, build a balanced fitness and nutrition plan that fits into your life. The best plan is one you can stick to—day in, day out. That doesn’t mean it has to be perfect, but it should be realistic.

Actionable Tip:

Start by scheduling three to four workouts a week. This could be as simple as 30-minute strength training sessions, a walk after dinner, or an easy yoga class. If you can stick with that for four weeks, reassess and adjust from there. Consistency over perfection wins every time.

2. Find Your Community

One of the most critical elements to fitness success—and happiness—is belonging to a supportive community. Studies show that people who train with others and feel supported are more likely to stick with their goals long-term. Whether it’s a workout class, an online group, or a couple of workout buddies, surrounding yourself with positive energy will help keep you motivated.

Actionable Tip:

If you don’t already have a workout partner or group, start by joining a local fitness class or an online fitness community. Platforms like Strava, MyFitnessPal, or even Facebook groups can connect you with people who share your fitness goals. The key is finding a place where you feel valued and appreciated.

3. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

There’s a common misconception that fitness success means never skipping a workout or indulging in a cheat meal. But let’s get real: life happens. Kids get sick, work gets busy, and sometimes, you just need a day off. The trick is not to let those days derail your entire program. Remember, fitness is about progress, not perfection.

Actionable Tip:

Set weekly goals that focus on progress. For example, instead of saying "I will work out every single day," set a goal like, "I will complete three strength workouts this week." If you hit that goal, awesome. If you fall short, reassess and adjust for next week.

4. Mindset Matters

Most people focus solely on physical changes, but your mindset plays a massive role in your success. When your head isn’t in the game, it’s easy to give up on your goals or feel like a failure. Instead, work on developing a growth mindset. This means embracing challenges, learning from failures, and understanding that fitness is a lifelong journey.

Actionable Tip:

Start a daily journal to track your thoughts, progress, and setbacks. This is an opportunity to reflect on your journey and see where your mindset might need adjusting. Every week, write down three things you did well, one thing you could improve, and one goal for the upcoming week.

5. Don’t Be Too Restrictive

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is being overly restrictive with their diets. They cut out entire food groups, skip meals, or limit themselves to a tiny number of calories. Sure, they may lose weight initially, but it’s not sustainable—and it’s certainly not enjoyable. When you’re constantly choosing between immediate happiness and delayed gratification, you’ll eventually choose happiness now. And that often leads to binge eating or quitting your diet entirely.

Actionable Tip:

Instead of eliminating foods, focus on adding nutrient-dense options. Love pasta? Great. Keep it on your menu but bulk it up with vegetables and lean protein. Craving sweets? Allow yourself a small dessert every day. You’ll be less likely to binge if you don’t feel deprived.

6. Measure More Than Just Weight

For a lot of people, success is tied to the number on the scale. But that number doesn’t tell the whole story. Your body composition, energy levels, mood, and how your clothes fit are much better indicators of progress than weight alone. Obsessing over the scale can actually derail your progress by making you feel discouraged when you don’t see the numbers drop as quickly as you’d like.

Actionable Tip:

Measure success by how you feel, how your clothes fit, and how strong you’re getting. If you like hard data, track your workouts, how many push-ups you can do, or how much weight you’re lifting. Seeing these numbers improve over time is just as rewarding—if not more so—than seeing the scale drop.

7. Rest and Recovery Are Critical

The fitness industry often glorifies "no days off," but rest and recovery are crucial parts of any successful workout program. Without adequate rest, your body doesn’t have time to rebuild muscle or recover from intense sessions, leading to burnout or injury. It’s easy to think more is better, but your body needs downtime to perform at its best.

Actionable Tip:

Schedule at least one full rest day per week, and prioritize sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. If you’re struggling with recovery, incorporate active recovery days—such as light yoga, stretching, or walking—to keep moving without overtaxing your system.

8. Get Professional Guidance

Still doing that same routine from high school? Yeah, we gotta fix that. There’s a reason why professional athletes have coaches—because even the best performers need guidance and accountability. If you feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure where to start, working with a coach can help you break through plateaus and develop a program that works for you. The right coach will push you, cheer you on, and keep you on track, even when life throws obstacles in your way.

Actionable Tip:

Invest in a fitness coach or trainer, even if it’s just for a few sessions. They’ll help you fine-tune your form, build a personalized program, and keep you accountable. If in-person coaching isn’t an option, there are plenty of online programs that offer virtual coaching and support.

The Bottom Line

If your workout isn’t bringing you the results—or happiness—you want, it’s time to reevaluate your approach. Remember, fitness is a lifelong journey, not a quick fix. Focus on sustainability, community, progress, and mindset. Make sure you’re having fun, not restricting yourself, and giving your body the time it needs to recover.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s a workout buddy, a coach, or an online community, having a support system in place can make all the difference in your long-term success.

So, what’s your priority-one goal? Share it with me and let’s build a program that helps you achieve not just physical results, but lasting happiness.

Those are just some of my thoughts. I’d really love to hear about your priority-one goal.

Summary:

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online longevity personal trainer, or you want to visit the best age-management personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.