Fitness Goals

Whether your goal is to lose weight or to bulk up a thin frame with muscle, there's no argument that initiating a new fitness program is a significant undertaking. We have covered weight loss on multiple occasions within this web guide, so by now you may have a fairly good idea how to chart out your fitness goals. Since fitness goals are so popular (they could very well be the number one New Years resolution!) and important, a few important reminders or observations should be noted.

Always remember that fitness goals should be broken up into smaller, easily achieved goals. A goal of losing 100 pounds is going to grate on anyone's nerves and burn away any willpower they may have. On the other hand, setting ten smaller goals of ten pounds each is entirely feasible. As you reach each "lap" of your marathon you will feel reinvigorated and develop a strong sense of accomplishment. These positive feelings will help motivate you to see your ultimate goal of one hundred pounds until the end.

The same holds true for any type of fitness program. It takes years of hard work and perseverance to develop from a skeleton to an Arnold Schwarzenegger. As such, it will be easier to quantify your progress in more identifiable terms, such as being able to bench press 250 pounds, then 275, then 300. By developing weight goals rather than vague physical goals, you can more easily break up your long-term goal into smaller portions. The rest will develop naturally, since increasing your weight capacity will automatically bulk your frame.

It can be difficult to motivate yourself to follow an exercise program religiously, so consider adding some personal obligations that you cannot easily or responsibly evade. For example, if you sign up for an aerobics class then you will be less likely to skip a day to the gym. If you agree to exercise with a spouse or friend then you can both draw strength and motivation off each other. Creating small obligations like these (or more accurately, mini-goals) will provide you a sense of accomplishment each time you meet them, plus they will apply some pressure that will make skipping your exercise program less convenient.

Do not attempt to bite off more than you can chew when you sketch out your fitness goals. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your new body will not be either. If you attempt an unhealthy or impossible goal such as losing fifty pounds in two months you risk doing two things:

  • Your motivation will plummet when you fail to meet those unrealistic goals.
  • You risk doing damage to your body by overstressing and/or starving it.

Always enter into a fitness goal with realistic expectations and lay out well-paced mini-goals that are easy to accomplish. It is also recommended that you speak with a physician before undertaking a new fitness program or diet change. A personal trainer can also benefit and motivate you.

Try to achieve your fitness goals in a manner that's the least objectionable for you. A low-carb diet allows you to enjoy nearly unlimited meats and fats, all the while losing weight. On the flipside pasta or rice fans may want to consider a low-fat, high-carb diet instead. If calorie counting is your thing, you can eat anything you want provided you do not exceed your caloric limitations (not as easy as it sounds!).

With some research and contemplation you can probably find a diet and/or exercise regimen that compliments your current lifestyle and also helps you achieve your fitness goals.

When contemplating your fitness goals the following questions may help you chart a path:

  • What is my current exercise goal this month? If I don't have one, should I?
  • What gets in my way when starting or continuing a balanced health maintenance program?
  • What is my target weight? Do I have a plan and timeframe to get there?
  • Am I getting enough sleep to sustain my body?
  • Am I happy with my physical appearance?
  • Would a personal trainer help me develop and reach my goals more effectively than I could do myself? What would be the cost of using one?
  • Of the meals I eat each month, how can I eat healthier, and what can I change in order to eat healthier without getting bored?
  • Are there ways I can cook in a healthier manner?
  • How can I reduce or completely eliminate alcohol, chemical dependencies and/or smoking? Do I have enough desire to succeed in doing so?
  • How can I improve my current heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol count?

Millions of people fail to meet their fitness goals every year, but if you break yours down into achievable mini-goals and fill out a goals worksheet then you'll significantly improve your chances of following through until the end.

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