STARTING a workout routine can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can build a routine that fits your lifestyle, goals and fitness level, said fitness trainer Lennox Richards.

He said what is important is that you start moving, even for a few minutes each day.

“With movement will come gradual changes in your body, especially if you pair that with changing your eating habits,” he said. “There is no need to jump head-first into the gym right away, you can start with baby steps, and then proceed up from there. Eventually, the goal is to get at least 30 minutes of activity in each day.”

Here’s how he said you can begin from square one:

Step 1: Define your goals

What do you want to achieve? Is it to lose weight, build muscle, gain strength, improve energy or endurance, relieve stress or feel better overall?

“Your goal will shape the type of training you focus on,” Richards said.

Step 2: Choose activities you enjoy

“You’re more likely to stick with it if it’s fun,“ Richards said.

Options include:

•Walking, cycling, swimming

•Weight training

•Yoga, Pilates

•Dance or fitness classes

•Home workouts or YouTube follow-alongs.

Step 3: Start small and simple

“Begin with two to three days a week, around 20-30 minutes per session,” Richards said.

Example starter schedule:

•Day 1: Full-body strength (bodyweight or light weights)

•Day 2: Cardio (brisk walk, cycling, etc.)

•Day 3: Flexibility or mobility (yoga or stretching).

Step 4: Focus on the basics

For strength:

•Push (eg, push-ups, wall presses)

•Pull (eg, rows with resistance bands)

•Legs (eg, squats, lunges)

•Core (eg, planks, bird dogs).

Step 5: Warm up and cool down

•Warm-up (five to 10 min): Light cardio + dynamic stretches.

•Cool-down (five-10 min): Gentle stretching + deep breathing.

Step 6: Track your progress

•Log your workouts: sets, reps, time, or distance.

•Note how you feel: energy, soreness, confidence.

•Adjust weekly: increase reps, time, or weight slightly.

Step 7: Be consistent, not perfect

“Missing a day is okay,” Richards said. “What matters is showing up regularly.”

He said you can stack your workout with another habit, example after morning coffee, to build consistency.

“You can also get support from training apps, join a class or find a workout buddy,” Richards said. “And consider a trainer if you’re unsure about your form.”