Originally published on gritdaily.com
With fitness, people have been conditioned to think that more is always better. More sweat. More reps. More intensity. If you’re not going all out, you’re not doing enough.
But the truth, especially for people who are just getting started or trying to build healthier, lasting habits, is different. According to Harsha Pakhal, you don’t need extreme workouts or punishing schedules. What you need is consistency, because consistency, not intensity, is what creates lasting change.
At Harsha Pakhal Fitness, Pakhal and his team work with people at all stages of their fitness journey, and the most common misconception they hear is that you need to go “all in” to see results. But going all in often leads to burnout, injury, or frustration when progress isn’t immediate. Real transformation doesn’t come from doing the most, it comes from doing what’s sustainable.
Why Intensity Isn’t the Answer
“It’s easy to get swept up in the hype of intense workouts,” says Pakhal. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), boot camps, and fitness challenges promise fast results, and for some people, those approaches work — at least for a while.
“But intensity has its limits. If your workouts leave you exhausted, sore for days, or dreading the next session, you’re less likely to stick with them. And if your schedule is packed, finding time for hour-long gym sessions every day just isn’t realistic,” he explains.
What’s more, intense training without the right foundation can lead to injury, especially if you’re not prioritizing mobility, recovery, and proper form. Without a strong, consistent base, pushing harder usually means breaking down, not building up.
The Power of Consistency
Consistency is powerful. It’s the quiet force behind every meaningful transformation. When you show up for yourself regularly — whether that’s two short workouts a week, daily walks, or making better eating choices — you create momentum. And momentum leads to progress.
“Over time, small, repeated actions compound. You build strength. You gain energy. You move better. And most importantly, you start to see your efforts as part of your lifestyle, not something you have to suffer through temporarily,” remarks Pakhal.
This is where real change happens. Not in a week or even a month, but in the rhythms and routines you establish over time.
What Consistency Looks Like in Real Life
“For many people, consistency means building a plan that fits their schedule, energy levels, and current level of fitness. It doesn’t require hours at the gym. In fact, some of the most successful clients we work with start with just 20 minutes a day or two to three sessions a week,” Pakhal states.
It also means being flexible. Life happens. Work gets busy, kids get sick, and motivation dips. “Consistency doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up, even in small ways, and not giving up because a week didn’t go perfectly,” says Pakhal. When you embrace that mindset, it becomes easier to stay on track and avoid the “all or nothing” trap that derails so many people.
This approach also allows for better recovery, which is essential for progress. Your body needs time to adapt, rebuild, and get stronger. Constant high-intensity exercise without recovery actually slows that process down.
Why This Approach Works Long-Term
“Focusing on consistency can reshape your relationship with fitness. Instead of viewing exercise as punishment or a box to check off, you’ll begin to see it as something that supports your life. Your workouts become something you look forward to, not something you dread,” says Pakhal.
You also start to recognize progress beyond the scale. Maybe you’re sleeping better. Maybe your posture has improved. Maybe you feel more confident walking into a room or more energized throughout the day. These wins matter, and they’re often overlooked when you’re only focused on intensity.
Over time, consistent effort leads to increased strength, better mobility, improved endurance, and greater confidence. You’re not just building a better body, you’re building trust in yourself.
How Harsha Pakhal Fitness Supports Sustainable Progress
Harsha Pakhal Fitness believes fitness should be sustainable, not stressful. And that’s why their coaching is rooted in building routines you can stick with, not short bursts of intensity that fizzle out.
They work one-on-one with clients to design programs that fit their lives, not the other way around. Whether someone is a busy parent, someone new to fitness, or someone who’s tried it all before and felt like nothing stuck, they’ll help them create a routine that is both realistic and rewarding.
“There’s no pressure to perform and no judgment if you miss a workout. Instead, we offer steady, supportive coaching designed to help you move forward,” says Pakhal.
Final Thoughts
The secret to long-term fitness success isn’t a magic workout or a 30-day challenge. Pakhal believes it’s about consistency. It’s showing up, again and again, even when motivation is low or progress feels slow. It’s doing the work in a way that respects your life, your limits, and your goals.
So if you’re tired of starting over, of chasing quick fixes or trying to “go hard” all the time, then try going steady instead. Your body, your mind, and your future self will thank you.
If you’re ready to take the first step, Harsha Pakhal Fitness is there to help you build a plan that fits — and sticks.