I work with men and women who thrive on having goals in life. Whether that’s in business, for their homes, or pushing their bodies to new levels. But how big does a fitness goal need to be? Should we always set a target, or is it OK to focus on the process and see where that takes us? How can we measure success if there’s no target to hit?
I am fascinated by the neuroscience of goal setting and achievement. Goals are typically something we want, but often find difficult to achieve (even if we know they are achievable). A goal is a shift away from the status quo and the path of least resistance. (1)
But does it necessarily have to be “hard” to be a legitimate goal? I don’t think so. Goal setting is highly personal, and so I’d like to offer you several types of fitness goal to suit your values and stage of life. Here are 6 Ways to set a meaningful fitness goal…
Have a weight loss target
This is the most common goal amongst my clients. Weight is measurable and (in our culture) meaningful. What I like about setting a weight loss goal is that the fat loss will always bring some other valuable benefits with it. Like improved health markers, lower blood pressure, better cardiovascular health, more energy, and better self-confidence. Just make sure your weight loss goal is realistic and achievable.
Aim for consistency
Consistency might sound boring, but it’s one of the most impressive things you can work on. Consistency as a fitness goal would mean a vastly improved healthy lifestyle. When you build consistent exercise and activity habits, you will naturally improve your physical health, weight, dress size, mental wellbeing, mood, and productivity. All from the humble habit of consistent physical exercise. What would being consistent mean to you?
Enter a race or event
Mass participation events like running races, triathlons, and bike sportives are popular for good reason. They give people like you and me something big but achievable to work towards. Enter a race, and you’ve got a date in the diary and a countdown for your training. Whether you enjoy a flurry of races one summer, or do regular Parkruns for decades, I think entering races can be a great goal. Just don’t feel pressured if it’s not for you.
Work towards a life-defining adventure
For some active people, setting a huge physical goal like climbing Everest or swimming the Channel is what they need to get focused. Does everyone need to do something like this in a lifetime? Absolutely not. Should you? It depends on your personality, your schedule, and of course your family support system. But if you’ve been dreaming of a big physical challenge for years and you have the resources, it will certainly keep you focused!
Change your health
Many people have underlying health issues (hereditary or lifestyle related). Many of these can be improved or even reversed by losing some weight, eating better, and being more active. My client testimonial page has several stories of people radically improving a particular health issue this way. If you have health worries, setting the goal of health improvement through fitness is extremely meaningful – and would impact more lives than just your own.
Identify as a “fit and active person”
There’s something very empowering about think of yourself as a fit person. It ties in with your values, beliefs, and the stories you tell yourself. What would it mean to you to be seen as fit, healthy, and looking after yourself? What if that was the story you told yourself? It can happen – even if you haven’t had a fit and active start in life.
Whatever your reason for wanting to get fitter and healthier, get in touch to discuss my premium coaching services.
Coach Joseph Webb.
‘The number one rated Personal Trainer In Henley and Oxfordshire’
References used in todays blog:
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5854216/
