1. You have the time. This requires brutal honesty. It’s not just about whether you can be bothered to set an early alarm, but can you physically do it? If you’re in a busy period at work, in the middle of a house move or are barely back on your feet post-lockdown, it’s OK to admit that starting a new workout routine on top of all of that might be a little too much.

2. You’re well. Suffering an illness or injury? Probably not the best time to jump into a new workout routine. Wait until you feel physically and mentally ready before upping your training.

3. You’re excited. Starting something new can be daunting, and while you might feel nervous, you shouldn’t dread your training. If you are, you might want to think about trying a different sport or exercise or taking baby steps that will keep you motivated rather than one huge leap.

4. You’ve done the prep. Don’t dive in without knowing what’s expected of you. Whether it’s the kit you need to support your training or the warm-ups you should do to get ready for your workout, doing some research beforehand can be game changing.

5. You’ve set mini goals. Remember, being ready for the process is just as important as smashing any potential end goals. Make a list of small changes you want to make now you’ve started training so you can feel accomplished.

When to start exercising: the best time to start a new workout programme