4: How to Make Sustainable Change + Strength Training For Longevity with Ashley Hodge


How to Make Strength Training a Sustainable Habit

You know the feeling—you start a new workout plan pumped and ready to go. The first few weeks? You’re all in. But then… life happens. Work gets crazy, motivation dips, and suddenly, those gym sessions you swore you’d stick to start fading into the background.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

In this episode of Broads Podcast, we’re diving into how to make strength training a sustainable part of your life—without burning out, losing motivation, or feeling like you’re constantly starting over. Because of real results? They come from consistency, not intensity.

Why Most People Struggle to Stick with Strength Training

Let’s get real: Motivation is overrated. It’s fleeting, unreliable, and won’t always be there when you need it. That’s why sustainability is key.

What are the biggest mistakes people make when trying to stick to strength training?

  • Going too hard, too fast. You don’t need to lift 6 days a week to see progress. If your plan isn’t sustainable, it won’t last.

  • Relying on willpower. Habits—not discipline—are what keep you showing up.

  • Ignoring recovery. Strength isn’t just built in the gym; it’s built in the rest.

The best workout plan is the one you can stick to long-term.

Building a Strength Routine That Actually Works for You

Here’s the truth: Your routine should fit into your life, not the other way around.

So, how do you make that happen?

Start small. Strength training 2-3 times per week is enough to see results. Quality over quantity, always.
Make it non-negotiable. Schedule workouts like meetings. Treat them as part of your day, not an afterthought.
Keep it simple. You don’t need fancy workouts. Master the basics (squats, deadlifts, presses), and progress from there.

Strength training doesn’t have to take over your life to be effective.

Shifting Your Mindset for Long-Term Success

If you’ve ever fallen into an all-or-nothing mentality (aka “If I can’t do a full hour, I might as well skip it”), it’s time for a mindset shift.

  • Something is always better than nothing. Even 10 minutes of movement counts.

  • Your worth isn’t measured by how much you lift. Strength training should empower you, not stress you out.

  • Your body will change—and that’s okay. Strength isn’t just about looks; it’s about what you can do.

Strength training is a lifelong journey. Focus on progress, not perfection.

Make Strength a Lifestyle, Not a Phase

The goal isn’t to train hard for a few months and then quit. It’s to build a foundation that supports you for life.

So, here’s your challenge: What’s one small step you can take today to make strength training more sustainable? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how you’re making fitness work for you. 


Find more from Tara:

Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/

Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app

Youtube: Tara LaFerrara

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3: My Fitness Evolution: It's OKAY to Change!