Discover the difference between training and exercising. Use a fitness progress tracker to stay motivated on your journey with Axelroad's support.
Trying to be more active often sounds harder than it really is. With everything on your plate—work, family, chores, and just keeping up—it can feel like there’s never a good time to begin. But adding movement to your day doesn’t have to mean signing up for the gym or running five miles. It can start with something small like a five-minute walk after dinner or some bodyweight squats between TV episodes. The biggest shift is often mental, not physical: accepting that doing something is always better than doing nothing.
By breaking things down into realistic steps, you build from where you are instead of where you think you should be. You don’t need to be a fitness expert to move more. And no, you don’t need to be perfect to make real progress. What you need is a clear idea of what fits your goals and a way to stick with it that actually feels manageable—and even enjoyable.
A lot of people think getting active means flipping some invisible switch and suddenly becoming a fitness person. But that mindset makes it easy to put things off. The truth is, you're probably already doing more than you think. Even walking your dog or choosing the stairs instead of the elevator counts as movement. All activity matters, and it adds up.
If you’ve been mostly inactive, the gap between where you are now and where you want to be can look huge. That’s exactly why starting small is the best way to close it. Doing just a little more than before is progress. It helps build confidence and keeps your body from getting overwhelmed.
Here’s what that might look like:
- Swap out five minutes of scrolling with five minutes of stretching or walking
- Do a short bodyweight circuit during a TV commercial break
- Instead of focusing on how long, focus on how often. A ten-minute walk five days a week can go a long way
- Add movement to something you already enjoy, like dancing to your favourite playlist or playing catch with your kid
You don’t need to measure everything or track every rep at this point. The goal is simply to get your body used to doing a bit more than it did yesterday. Keep it easy and flexible. The habits will come—with time and a bit of consistency.
Before committing to any routine, it helps to know what your main goal is. There’s a difference between training and exercising, and being clear about which one fits you best will shape how you move forward.
Exercising is about how you feel today. Maybe you take a walk to clear your head, do yoga to loosen up, or go for a bike ride because it's nice outside. It’s not focused on long-term change—it’s for the sense of wellbeing you get now. That’s perfect if your aim is better mood, less stiffness, or just moving more.
Training, on the other hand, is about building toward something over time. If you want to get stronger, lift heavier, or build endurance, that’s where training comes in. It uses structure and progress to slowly bring you closer to a personal goal. Each workout builds on the last.
Here’s a quick example:
If you do push-ups randomly when you feel like it, that’s exercise. If you follow a plan that increases your push-up count week by week, you’re training.
Neither is wrong or better. They just serve different goals. Ask yourself what matters most to you—feeling better in the moment or working towards a bigger change. Knowing your reason makes your path clear and helps with long-term consistency.
Going into any fitness routine without a plan is like heading out on a road trip without a map. You might still move forward, but you’ll probably lose time, get frustrated, or stop altogether. A plan gives your effort direction.
Think of it like building a table with or without instructions. Sure, you might end up with a table either way, but it’s more likely to be wobbly and unstable if you guess your way through it. A structured plan helps you balance your workouts, focus on different muscles, and avoid burnout. Every session has a goal, and you waste less time wondering what to do next.
Copying a smart plan that’s already been proven is one of the best fitness shortcuts there is. That doesn't mean you can't adjust it to fit your schedule or gear, but you’re better off borrowing from someone who has already worked out the kinks. It saves energy and gives you better results.
There’s no need to feel bad about using someone else’s plan. Think of it like borrowing a great recipe. You still end up with something tasty—it just took less guesswork to get there.
Deciding what kind of workouts to do—strength training, cardio, or both—can be confusing. Each type plays a different role, and what’s right for you depends on your goals and what you enjoy.
Strength training isn’t just about building muscle. It helps with everyday things like carrying groceries, moving furniture, or keeping up with active kids. It supports strong bones, reduces the risk of injuries, and helps keep your metabolism running smoothly. And no, lifting weights won’t make you bulky unless you make that your full-time job. You can build strength using bodyweight movements, resistance bands, or home equipment.
Cardio focuses more on your heart and lungs. It helps with endurance and keeps you from getting winded during normal activities. It can also help your muscles recover between strength sessions and gives your energy a nice boost. Think brisk walks, cycling, or swimming—anything that gets your heart rate up for a bit.
Here’s a simple way to mix both into your week:
- Strength training 2-3 times per week, covering all major muscle groups
- Cardio 2-3 times per week, like walking, biking, or dancing
- On busy days, combine both in shorter sessions
If life is busy and you can’t fit it all in perfectly, don’t stress. Just rotate between them based on how much time you’ve got and what your body needs most that day. The key is consistency.
Progress can be hard to spot day by day, but it adds up fast. Using a fitness progress tracker gives you a snapshot of how far you’ve come. Whether you're adding more steps, lifting heavier, or just moving more often, seeing that change reminds you that what you're doing is working.
This isn’t about pressure—it’s about perspective. A tracker helps you notice little wins that might slip under the radar otherwise. That boost of progress gives you a reason to keep going, especially when motivation dips.
Trackers don’t need to be fancy. You can use a mobile app, a notebook, or a basic wall calendar. Pick something you’ll actually stick with. Maybe you check off workout days, count steps, or log the weights you use. However you do it, stay consistent. Over time, those checkmarks tell a story you’ll be proud of.
Fitness gets easier when you can see momentum building. A visual record helps you build confidence one session at a time.
Fall is a great time to lock in those positive habits. The crisp air, changing leaves, and cooler temps make it easier to stay comfortable while moving. With fewer scorching days, it’s a perfect chance to get outside and stretch your legs.
Try a simple routine switch—morning walks before work, weekend hikes on a trail, or evening jogs in the neighbourhood. Just remember to dress in layers as the weather cools so that you’re ready for any conditions.
Cooler seasons can also be a chance to mix it up. Indoor classes, online workout programs, or short bodyweight sessions in front of the TV can all keep your movement goals on track. Refreshing your workout style helps keep things exciting and avoids burnout.
The beauty of fall is that it symbolizes change. Use that change as fuel. By keeping movement fun and flexible, it becomes something you want to do—not something you have to do. Whether you’re enjoying the scenery or improving your fitness levels, every step counts.
When you find joy in the process, you stop worrying about doing it perfectly. You focus instead on showing up, putting in the time, and letting progress happen on its own. As you stay active through the season, you’re not just building strength or boosting cardio. You’re building a routine that sticks.
No matter where you are in your fitness journey, having a clear plan makes all the difference. Using a fitness progress tracker can help you stay mindful of your wins and build momentum that lasts. Axelroad is here to support you with tools and strategies that make sticking to your goals a whole lot easier.
