You’ve got good intentions. You want to move your body more. You know exercise is important. So why is it so hard to stay consistent?

If you’ve ever started strong only to lose momentum after a few days (or weeks), you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not lazy or lacking willpower. In fact, research shows that 50–60% of people who start an exercise routine will drop out within six months.

As a physio, I’ve seen this play out time and time again. And it’s not because the exercises don’t work—it’s because we’re often unknowingly sabotaging our own efforts.

Let’s talk about the 5 most common ways women self-sabotage their workouts—and what to do instead.

1. You’re Measuring the Wrong Things

The scale. Sore muscles. Sweat. These are not reliable signs of progress.

Yes, weight can shift early on—but it often fluctuates or plateaus, and that can be really discouraging. Soreness, meanwhile, usually means you did something new or pushed too hard—not that you’re getting fitter.

What to do instead:

• Track your consistency (e.g. tick off your workout days)
  
• Measure your progressive overload (reps, sets, weights)

• Reflect on how you feel—energy, sleep, mood, strength

2. You Let One Missed Workout Spiral

You skip a session. Then another. Next thing you know, it’s been a month and you feel like you’ve failed… again.

This “all or nothing” thinking is one of the most common (and most damaging) traps.

What to do instead:

• Redefine consistency as your ability to come back

• Take one small step forward, even if it’s just a stretch or a walk

• Remember: it’s not about being perfect, it’s about staying in the game

3. You Think You Need to Feel Motivated

Motivation is great… when it’s there. But for most of us, it’s fleeting and unreliable.

The people who stick to exercise long-term? They don’t rely on motivation. They rely on systems.

What to do instead:

• Build routines that are realistic for your life

• Have low-friction “Plan B” options for tough days

• Focus on action over emotion—start small and let momentum build

4. You Plan for an Ideal Week, Not Real Life

Your schedule looks perfect on paper. But then life happens—sick kids, stressful days, last-minute changes—and it all falls apart.

What to do instead:

• Use the “all or something” scale: define both your ideal and your bare minimum

• Be flexible. One walk, one 10-minute strength session—it all counts

• Aim for progress over perfection every time

5. You Go Too Hard, Too Fast

You’re all in. You smash your first few workouts. And then? You can’t walk for days, and the thought of exercising again makes you cringe.

This all-or-nothing approach backfires fast. It increases your risk of injury, burnout, and—let’s be honest—resentment.

What to do instead:

• Start with less than you think you can do

• Focus on enjoyment and sustainability

• Remember: consistency trumps intensity every single time

So, Which One Sounds Like You?

We all have sneaky self-sabotage patterns that show up when it comes to exercise. The good news? Once you spot them, you can start to shift them.

If you’re ready to go deeper, I’ve created something just for you.

✨ Everyday GLOW is not an exercise program. It’s the program that helps you become the woman who follows through on the exercise program. Based on your exercise personality and your unique barriers, this is your blueprint for real, lasting consistency. Join the waitlist below.

And if you’re looking for a super doable starting point, check out my GLOW10 Tribe—10-minute strength sessions you can do from home, no pressure, no guilt, just progress.

📩 I’d love to hear from you. DM me on Instagram @glowwithlibby and tell me—which of these 5 habits are you ready to ditch?

Let’s build something sustainable, together.