The Best 30-Day Quick-Start Workout Routines

Whether you're trying to keep a New Year's Resolution or just need help finding a workout routine that’s right for you, a 30-day quick-start exercise routine can give you what you need. Let's look at five different fitness plans, each one geared towards a different type of exerciser, and all packed with action-oriented workouts to help you meet your goals.

Why Are There Different Quick Start Workout Routines?

We are all different, and the type of exercise we enjoy differs as well. You might be relieved to learn that you can become fit in a month with everything from running to Pilates, and from walking to weight training. You can even combine programs if you want a more in-depth program. No matter what your goal is, you'll find the perfect training program to fit your needs.

Take a look at each of the workout routines below to see which one fits your exercise style and needs. Then get started with the one that’s right for you, and begin seeing results in a month's time. The workout routines below vary, but any of these can be effective in raising your fitness level in only a month's time.

1. General Fitness and Quick-Start Guide

The general fitness and quick-start guide for beginners are for people who want to include a little bit of all the fitness elements into their workouts. This includes cardio, weight training, and stretching. This plan works best if you have some home workout equipment, such as hand weights and a yoga mat.

2. Running Quick-Start Guide

For the running quick-start guide for beginners, all you need is a good pair of running shoes and a place to run. And don't worry if you can't run that much right now—the workouts here utilize the "run/walk" method, a type of exercise that's known to be beneficial for new runners. In 30 days, you'll be able to run continuously for 20 minutes.

3. Pilates Quick-Start Guide

The Pilates quick-start guide for beginners is a way to begin this practice at home. As with the yoga program above, this can be a great way to begin pilates without having to register for a class. Pilates helps you develop long, lean muscles and improve core strength. For home workouts, you can get started with just a few key (and cheap!) pieces of equipment. Similar in some ways to yoga, Pilates also focuses on mindfulness concepts like concentration, centering, and control.

4. Walking Quick-Start Guide

Similar to the running guide above, the walking quick-start guide for beginners appeals to people who want to keep things simple and stick to walking as their primary form of exercise. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and a treadmill or a place to walk. By the time your first month is up you'll be walking most days of the week at a brisk pace.

5. Weight Training Quick-Start Guide

The weight training quick-start guide for beginners is a great routine if you have a gym membership but aren't sure how to get started. Or maybe you find those weight-training machines intimidating. This guide helps you get over those hurdles and will tell you how and when to increase the weight to improve your performance. By the end of the month, you won't walk into a gym and feel like cowering—you’ll feel empowered.

A Word From Verywell

A 30-day quick start exercise program can start you on the path to a fitter body in only a month. Choose one of these fitness routines based on what appeals most to you. Choosing activities that interest and excite you can play a role in your motivation and self-determination to persist in a fitness program. If you get part-way through a program and it no longer appeals to you, don't just quit. Find a different guide on the list and start at the beginning. When you are done with the 30 days you will have a better idea of how your body feels with exercise and how much exercise you can handle.