Realistic Fitness Goals

Hitch Fit on How to Set Realistic Goals

Starting a new fitness or nutritional routine seems so easy and exciting. Finishing those goals, however, is a whole different ball game. It requires endurance, patience, and a commitment to keep going long after you’re tired or bored. The key to finishing something you’ve set out to do is to ensure the goal is realistic. Outlandish ambitions are given up on quickly, no matter how much you want to accomplish it. The best intention and all the willpower you can muster just aren’t enough. Planning smartly and logically will ensure you reach the desired end result.

Short and Sweet

The first step in setting a goal involves writing it down. Sit down and focus on determining your goal. Once you’ve got it written down, ask yourself how big that goal is. If your goal will take longer than three or four months, consider choosing a smaller chunk of that goal. Stick to something attainable in four to six weeks. Additionally, make sure you can work on completing that goal in a manageable amount of time. If your fitness goal requires you to work out five times a week, but you can’t get a babysitter that often, it’s not going to be realistic for you. The turtle’s got it right: “slow and steady wins the race.”

Know Your Limits

If you are not a generally active individual, don’t set out to hit the gym every morning before work. Be honest about who you are and what you can accomplish, and you’ll get a lot farther! Instead of choosing a goal that requires a big active commitment each day, start with committing to be active for 10 short minutes each day. A jog down the street or some calisthenics will do just fine!

There’s a fun 5k in one month that you want to run? If you aren’t already a runner, then this really isn’t feasible. Find out when the next one is, and plan for that! There are programs on your phone that give you short daily goals to work your way up to a 5k. Or, if you really want to participate, consider walking instead of running. All in all, know what you are truly capable of, and go with it! Everybody has to start somewhere, and starting off at your level is important to seeing your goal completed.

Rewards

Don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done! Gold stars aren’t just for kids. When you finally determine and accomplish your short-term goal, grab a new magazine you enjoy reading, pamper yourself with a luxurious bath, or even buy yourself a new exercise outfit. You’ll feel great for finishing your task and more excited about the next goal on your list after a great reward.