'I've found the trick to sticking to a workout routine (and it's not what you'd expect).'

Thanks to our brand partner, Medibank

I've always been a pretty active person. I've dipped in and out of everything from nature walks to swimming to whatever gym class was trending at the time. Mixing it up has always been my thing — it's how I stay interested.

This year, I even joined my local soccer team, which became a really fun anchor in my week. But once the season wrapped (no finals for us, but hey, there's always next year), I realised I needed a new way to stay consistent with moving my body — and that's when I decided to try the MOVE app by Mamamia.

The Mental Health Fit Check series, available to subscribers in the app, is a challenge created by Mamamia and brought to you by Medibank, who are committed to supporting the wellbeing of all Australians and encouraging people to prioritise both mental and physical fitness.

I was drawn to it because it wasn't just about workouts — it was designed to support mental wellbeing too, which felt exactly like the reset I needed.

I first downloaded the app on a girls' trip to Bali, when I was in full R&R mode — poolside reading, card games, massages, the works. I wanted a little exercise but couldn't be bothered piecing together a routine myself.

That's where it came in handy: it was like having a trainer in my pocket, and I kept coming back to it again and again.

Using it on holiday was one thing, but the real test? Seeing if it could actually make me consistent with my workouts at home where distractions are endless.

So I gave myself two weeks to see if it could be the trick to finally sticking to a routine — and yes, I documented it all for you.

Day 1

The first thing I noticed? How ridiculously easy it was. I walked about 15 steps from my bedroom to the living room, flipped out a yoga mat in the tiny strip of space between my couch and bookshelf (turns out that's all you really need), and boom — it was go time.

I did the whole thing in my pyjamas, eyes half-shut — and the best part was the instructor wasn't offended, because she wasn't actually in the room.

For day one, I picked a pilates class — a 30-minute full-body strengthening flow that felt perfectly pitched. It was in that sweet spot between "Yep, I can do this" and "Ooh, this is pushing me a little," which kept me engaged without making me want to tap out.

Once I was done, all I had to do was roll up the mat and wander into the kitchen to make a coffee. No commute, no waiting for a shower at the gym, no $6 coffee on the way home.

It honestly felt like I'd cracked some kind of life cheat code.

Image: Supplied.

Day 5

I haven't touched an at-home workout app since, dare I say it, the C-word era, but the convenience is just too good to ignore.

Especially on this particular week, with Sydney basically drowning in non-stop rain. If the sun ever decided to show up, I'd have happily taken it outside — backyard, park, wherever — for a hit of fresh air and vitamin D. But on this day? Indoor cardio it was.

What was actually keeping me on track, though, isn't just the workouts themselves — it's the routine around them. Getting up at the same time every morning has made things feel less like mental gymnastics and more like muscle memory.

Watch: MOVE's 10-minute bodyweight cardio session. Post continues after video.

Day 7

Okay, on this day I was feeling a bit tired and worn out. My period had arrived the night before and as usual, I'd struggled to get much sleep. To keep up the routine while still listening to my body, I chose some breathwork and gentle stretching instead.

My lower back and hips lapped up the slower movements, and my brain felt good knowing I'd carved out time for myself before work — even if it was at a gentler pace than usual.

Day 10

I'd spent the last couple of days leaning into breathwork and yoga, which felt really supportive at the start of my cycle. But today I was weirdly craving something more intense — and you've gotta strike while the iron's hot.

So I ended up stacking a couple of shorter workouts: a 15-minute cardio session followed by a lower-body strength class. By the end, I was definitely feeling it, but it felt so good to get my heart rate up after a few slower days.

Image: Supplied.

Day 14

The app gave me a cute little reminder to check in with how I was feeling mentally and physically, which helped me refocus on the challenge and look ahead to the next week.

Since the rain had finally cleared, I went for a walk with a friend — a double endorphin hit. And because it was Sunday, I mapped out my workouts in my calendar for the week ahead.

Reflecting on the past two weeks, the consistent workouts had done more than keep me moving. They created little pockets of pause, giving me space to check in with myself, even on chaotic days.

I think it's safe to say: I'm officially hooked.

Download the MOVE app and use code FITCHECK30 when you select a monthly subscription at checkout to start your free 30-day Mental Fit Check journey.

This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always seek health advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

If you or anyone you know needs to speak with an expert, please contact your GP or in Australia, contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), all of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Medibank is committed to improving the mental health of all Australians. Visit medibank.com.au/mental-health for information, support options and tips to have more meaningful mental health conversations.