01 Mar Setting the Right Fitness Goals for You
Why do you want to get healthy? That’s an important question that is going to dictate your strategy moving forward. Maybe you noticed you’re getting winded easier when playing with your kids. Perhaps it’s because you noticed that you have jumped significantly in clothing sizes. Maybe you just don’t like sitting at a desk all day and want to be more active after work. There are many reasons why you would want to get healthier, but understanding the reason why will help you figure out your end goal and a proper plan to reach that goal.
Set Healthy Goals
Your overall health is more important that just lowering a number on the scale. You should absolutely have goals, just make sure that your only goal isn’t just to get to one specific number. Your Body fat, heart rate, and other health stats are just as important. Not to mention, you should put in place other smaller goals like a squat goal (don’t forget leg day!) or a new personal record for most jump ropes in 5 minutes.
If in the end, your end-goal is still weight loss, then create a schedule with realistic mini goals. Saying you want to lose 20lbs by the end of April won’t be helpful because what if you have a slow start? Then what can help is that after the slow start, you get discouraged. Now, you’re suddenly in a rush to reach your goal, so you start making unhealthy decisions like skipping meals just so you can reach a number.
If you set realistic and specific goals then weight loss will come easily! As long as you maintain healthy eating and regular fitness, you might even reach your weight loss goal without you even knowing it. In the end, your ultimate goal should be just being healthy. When you build a stronger, healthier body, the feeling of achievement will be even greater than just worrying about a number. Body-weight isn’t as important – a healthy body is important.
Use a Support System
Accomplishing your goals on your own can be difficult. Most people are much more likely to achieve their goals if they have a support system in place. Whether it’s a friend, co-worker, partner, or family member, you want someone close to you that can be there when you need that extra boost.
Of course, there’s some that need to look outside of their direct circle for help. Places like Club Fitness and Planet Fitness offer great equipment, but may not come with the support system you need. At places like Faster Fitness, group personal training, personal training and our nutrition coaching programs are great ways to get that support system you need. The nice thing is that both deliver guided assistance, while still offering focused attention on your personal health goals.
Aside from the added push you get from a support system as opposed to working out alone, it’s also not as fun doing it by yourself. Imagine a cross-country trip by yourself. Ok… that might be tolerable, even though it helps to have a copilot. But imagine if you ALSO drove without the company of music, the radio, or a podcast. That’s a pretty boring drive that is going to become very unmotivating after a couple of hours into the trip.
Working out with a group of like-minded friends or family members can turn into a fun interactive activity. You can give each other tips and advice, and celebrate when one of you reaches a fitness goal. The satisfaction in that moment will help invigorate the whole group. Not to mention, a little friendly competition has never hurt anyone. Maybe create a game where the person who doesn’t reach their daily goal has to buy the first round of drinks for the group on Friday night!
Find What’s Right for You
If you don’t like running… don’t run. If you don’t like the bench press… don’t bench. There are plenty of other options that can deliver the same benefits that you would get from those exercises. Instead of running, you could use an elliptical or you could spin, row, cross-train, or run outdoors. You could even do a couple extra laps around the mall if that’s more your speed (stop into a store or two and make purchases for some added weights for your arms). The point is you have to find a fitness program that is effective for you and that you enjoy.
The same can be said about your diet. Just because everyone is saying to eat more kale, it doesn’t mean you have to. Don’t eat kale if you hate kale! Again, you need to find what works for you. If you really like chocolate, it doesn’t mean you have to cut that out of your diet just because you want to shed pounds. It’s bound to happen – you’re going to eat chocolate. So instead, just be realistic while still considering your health goals. Switch to 80% dark chocolate, for example, as a healthier option. And even though it can be tricky sometimes, maybe just eat a few squares in one sitting, not the whole bar while also sipping on a Starbucks iced coffee. You don’t have to make huge sacrifices, but smaller changes can sometimes yield big results.
Once you decide why you want to get healthy, you can devise a plan consisting of realistic and manageable goals. And when you reach your goals along the way, treat yourself to a little reward. With the warmer weather around the corner, maybe it’s a trip to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard or a relaxing massage as the extra cherry on top. Perhaps it’s a manicure or spa experience. You’ve earned it! Those smaller goals peppered throughout your journey to a healthier you are a great way to keep yourself pushing towards your ultimate goal.
Faster Fitness has been serving group personal training and fitness program in the St. Louis region in since 2012 and is here to help you get Lean! If you’d like more information on how we can help you set and reach your goals, please click “request more information below.”
