Welcome to Workout Diaries, a series where we ask experts to talk us through what a week of exercise looks like for them, helping you figure out how to develop and maintain an effective workout routine.
Meggan Berg has been in the health and fitness industry for more than 20 years. In that time, she's worked as a trainer, yoga teacher, and group class leader.
Nowadays, she's in charge of the day-to-day running of Life Time’s Baybrook studio.
While she leads fewer classes than she used to, she still finds time to dedicate to her own health and fitness.
“My biggest priorities are consistency and progression,” she says. “Consistency drives progress and progress keeps me inspired.”
She adds that she tries to keep a goal in mind for every workout, so she’s motivated and working toward something.
Sometimes, that goal is more formal, particularly when she has a competition to work toward, but sometimes it's simply to be stronger than she was yesterday.
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She makes a point of keeping her routine varied and fun.
“By the end of each week, I want to feel well-rounded,” she says.
“That means balancing strength training, conditioning, mobility and recovery so I'm not just improving one area of fitness but building a body that is strong, resilient and capable for the long term.”
Meggan Berg's weekly workout routine
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Berg works out for 30 minutes to an hour in the late mornings.
“Late mornings are my sweet spot because they fit my schedule best and allow me to show up at my best,” she says.
On her days off, Berg prioritizes walking and practicing yoga to stay active while recovering.
“Not every day has to be high intensity, but every day is an opportunity to move.”
Monday morning
Conditioning workout
Tuesday morning
Strength workout
Wednesday morning
Conditioning workout
Thursday morning
Strength workout
Friday morning
Yoga
Saturday morning
Strength, conditioning and Olympic lifting
Sunday morning
Walk or run
Sunday afternoon
Active recovery
Meggan Berg's tips for developing an exercise routine
1. Set goals
Berg relies on clear goals to keep her motivation up and her workouts progressing.
“Goals don't just give you something to achieve; they give you a reason to show up, even on the days you don't feel like it,” she explains.
“Find something that challenges you, create a plan, trust the process and keep putting in the work.”
Currently, Berg is training for the Life Time LT Games, which take place in October.
“Training has just begun, but working toward this ambitious goal keeps me motivated, focused and gives me a true sense of purpose.”
2. Build consistency
“Progress happens one day, one workout and one choice at a time,” says Berg.
“Find a routine that works for you, stay committed and keep moving. Your body will thank you.”
She explains that this consistency creates lasting results.
“Be consistent, even when you're tired, busy, overwhelmed or life feels chaotic,” she says.
“There will always be obstacles, unexpected challenges and reasons to put yourself last. Choose to show up anyway.”
3. Prioritize variety
“Our bodies are built to move, and consistency doesn't mean doing the same workout every day. It means adapting, staying active and continuing to prioritize your health no matter where life takes you,” says Berg.
“I do it all: strength training, conditioning, mobility and yoga all have a place in my routine.”
That isn’t to say she doesn’t have workouts she prefers.
“If I had to pick a favorite piece of equipment, it would be the barbell,” she says.
“There is something incredibly empowering about lifting heavy. It makes me feel strong, capable and confident.”
She adds that she loves working with kettlebells, dumbbells, resistance bands and anything that supports functional movement and a full range of motion.
“Every tool has its purpose, and together they help me build strength, improve mobility and stay prepared for whatever challenge comes next.”
4. Set aside dedicated, non-negotiable time
“I intentionally block [workout] time on my calendar and treat it like any other important appointment because my health is a priority,” says Berg.
She adds that having dedicated time for herself allows her to recharge, stay focused and bring more energy to the rest of her day.
“When I take care of myself first, I'm able to better serve my team, my family and those around me,” she adds.
“Prioritizing your wellbeing isn't selfish; it's one of the best investments you can make.”
Lou Mudge is a Health Writer at Future Plc, working across Fit&Well and Coach. She previously worked for Live Science, and regularly writes for Space.com and Pet's Radar. Based in Bath, UK, she has a passion for food, nutrition and health and is eager to demystify diet culture in order to make health and fitness accessible to everybody.
Multiple diagnoses in her early twenties sparked an interest in the gut-brain axis and the impact that diet and exercise can have on both physical and mental health. She was put on the FODMAP elimination diet during this time and learned to adapt recipes to fit these parameters, while retaining core flavors and textures, and now enjoys cooking for gut health.
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