Fitness is not one-size-fits-all. One person’s ideal workout can be dramatically different from the next guy for a number of reasons.

Finding your ideal exercises and building a workout plan means taking a number of factors into consideration. Below is a quick rundown of some of the things you’ll want to consider before you hit the ground running.

Your Goals

Why are you putting time, energy and focus into a workout plan? Of course we all want to be healthier, but usually there are other reasons behind it. Do you want to run a half-marathon? Do you want to push past a personal fitness plateau? Do you want to lose 15 pounds?

Your goals are the guiding force for your workout plan. They help define what type of physical activity will deliver the results you want to see.

For example, Pure Barre is designed to work your body while calming your mind. It’s also a great regimen if one of your goals is to use fitness as a way to connect with others. This is a completely different experience than strength training with heavy weights or cardio training for a 5K.

Your Fitness Level

Another crucial factor when you’re starting a new fitness regimen is your fitness level. We’d all love to be able to slip into a pair of tennis shoes and run for three miles, but that’s not always realistic.

If you select a workout program that’s way above your fitness level you risk injuring yourself and getting discouraged. It’s best to start small and build up to more strenuous activity so you stay healthy and motivated to keep making progress.

Your Comfort Level

Your comfort level also needs to be considered when you’re putting together a workout plan. Let’s be honest, not everyone is comfortable with throwing up weights and performing The Rock’s ultimate workout.

Some types of workouts are also group activities. Even strength training can require a spotter. If you’re more of a loner you may be more comfortable with workouts that can be done solo.

Don’t worry if you don’t feel comfortable with a workout you’re interested in just yet. When I was just starting out hitting the weight room really intimidated me. You can always make it a goal to get there after you build up your confidence and fitness.

Your Lifestyle

No workout is going to be effective if you can’t fit it into your schedule and stick with it. That’s why you have to take a hard look at your lifestyle before putting together a workout plan.

How much time do you have each day to dedicate to working out? Do you smoke cigarettes?  Does family come first above everything else? A number of lifestyle factors can affect training.

Your lifestyle can also influence your fitness goals. For instance, if you may be motivated to workout because you sit down at work all day. So simply, walking for 20 minutes a day during your lunch break can be a regimen that fits your lifestyle and helps you reach your goals.

Your Interests

Workouts tend to be the most effective when you like doing them. Why? Because you’re more likely to stick with it for the long haul.

Fitness goals aren’t reached overnight. It takes time and hard work. Pick physical activity that you enjoy and it won’t feel like work. You’ll actually look forward to your workouts, and that’s really the ultimate goal if you want to make fitness a part of your lifestyle for the long-term.

Your Timeline

Are you looking to reach your goals by a certain date? Have a big event on the horizon that you want to look you best for?

As mentioned above, reaching goals takes time. Your timeline will help determine the intensity needed for your workouts. In general, the shorter your timeline is the more intense the workout plan will need to be to reach your goals.

If you still aren’t sure how to put together a workout plan you can always enlist the help of a trainer. They can help you honestly assess your fitness level and suggest exercises that will help you safely reach your goal within a certain timeline.