“Just start anywhere.” You’ve heard that before, right? It works in some cases, but when it comes to a fitness routine, I completely disagree. Working out is hard to do. You have to find time in the day, the motivation to go, show up, get through a workout, take an extra shower and, well, you get the point. It takes a lot of determination and effort to maintain a fitness routine.

With all that to think about, should you really start anywhere? I don’t think so. Finding the right place can be the difference between achieving your goals or just thinking about them. Whether you’re brand new to fitness or just bored with your current routine, follow these three tips and get closer to that healthy lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about.

Step 1: Get Your Goals on Paper

We all know that working out is good for us, but what about it do you specifically want? What are you looking for? Write down the reasons you want to get to the gym. Try to combine the physical with the emotional reasons. You will need both when times get tough. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, clarify the why. Working out shouldn’t just be physical. It can be much more than that, but you have to define it.

Step 2: Research to Get it Right

After you have established what your goals are, get to researching. Think about it like looking for the next book you want to read. If you enjoy a good autobiography, you aren’t necessarily spending your time in the fantasy fiction aisle. What do you like about working out? What is important to you in a studio? Read reviews, ask friends who have similar interests, stalk Instagram profiles, visit the website, and compare studio offerings. I see a lot of people put price first when choosing a studio or gym. This is a mistake. Take your time finding the right place and don’t pass it up because of the price. Your budget for your health and wellbeing should be more than your budget for your cable bill and coffee habit.

Step 3: Put in the Work

Once you’ve found the right place, get in the habit of scheduling ahead. Whether it’s group fitness or an open gym, put your workouts in your calendar at least a week ahead of time. If you want to get in three workouts a week, book five. Typically gyms will have a new client special. Take advantage of it by trying as many classes and instructors as you can. Sometimes it’s not love at first workout, so if you are at this place because of research and recommendations, give it a chance. Try all the offerings, introduce yourself to instructors and current members. If you aren’t hooked after a couple of weeks, time to go back to step one. Don’t give up on yourself. Establishing a regular fitness routine can transform your life for the better. I have seen it happen in hundreds of lives, including mine. So, although I don’t agree with starting anywhere, I do agree that you should start now.

Need some inspiration in the meantime? Follow me on Instagram @fit.like.krys for workouts, fitness challenges and more.