How to Set Fitness Goals That Don’t Suck

Feb 13

Starting your fitness journey is a HUGE challenge that a lot of people struggle to begin in the first place & if you have, congrats!! *cheers* It requires a huge amount of motivation to start & discipline to continue. BUT if you don’t have a strategy chances are that you’ll fall off in a couple of weeks.

I’m going to let you in on the secret on how to stop this from happening. The art of setting achievable fitness goals lies in the balance between ambition + realism; ensuring that the goals you set today can be the victories you celebrate tomorrow. Use the steps below to help create some fitness goals that aren’t just dreams, but achievable milestones aligned with your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term vision.

Understanding SMART Goal-Setting

The SMART framework is the absolute cornerstone in the realm of goal-setting. Sit down, get your notebook out & start writing.

Specific: Your fitness goals should be clear & specific. Instead of aiming to "get fit," define what fitness means to you. Is it to run a 5K, achieve a certain body composition, or hit 225 on bench? The more specific your goal, the easier & better it will be to create a focused plan. Get as specific as you can, I mean it.
Measurable: Quantify your goals to track progress. Whether it's the number of workouts per week, the distance you can run, or the weight you can lift, having measurable goals allows you to see improvements over time. There are TONS of ways to measure body composition as well including scale weight, body measurements, calipers, progress photos & more. The more awareness you have of your progress, the more you’ll be held accountable & stick to your goal.
Achievable: While it's great to be ambitious, your goals should also be realistic & attainable within your current lifestyle & physical limitations. This doesn’t mean you can’t aim high, but rather that you need to plan progressively to reach those heights. For example, if you only have three days a week to realistically hit the gym, but set your goal at 5x a week, you’re setting yourself up for failure & burnout.
Relevant: Your goals should align with your personal values and long-term objectives. If you're more interested in endurance sports, setting a goal to bench press a heavy weight might not resonate with your true interests & will end up being a distraction.
Time-bound: Setting deadlines can motivate you to push through obstacles & prioritize your fitness. Whether it’s preparing for an upcoming event or aiming to achieve a goal within a few months, a time frame creates urgency & focus. But DON’T set a timeline that’s unrealistic for your goal. For example, if you have 50 lbs to lose, don’t set your time frame for 3 months.

Aligning Goals with Lifestyle and Preferences

To ensure longevity & enjoyment in your fitness journey, align your goals with your lifestyle & preferences. If you love the outdoors, consider setting goals around hiking, running, or cycling. If you thrive in a community setting, joining a fitness class or group might be the way forward. Remember, the best workout is the one you can consistently perform & enjoy.

Adjusting Goals As Needed

Flexibility is key in your journey. You might encounter setbacks, injuries, a dip in motivation, or discover new interests that shift your focus. Periodically reassess your goals & be open to adjusting them. This adaptability is not a sign of failure but an acknowledgment of your evolving fitness journey & personal growth. It’s okay to change your goals as you continue to grow!

Celebrating Milestones

Every step forward deserves recognition. Celebrate the small victories along the way, whether it’s losing 2 lbs, improving your pace, increasing your flexibility, or simply sticking to your workout schedule. These moments of celebration fuel your motivation & remind you of the progress you're making towards your larger goals. If you ignore the small wins you’ll make this journey much harder than it needs to be.