We have all put fitness goals in our agenda at the beginning of the new year, a new month or even a new week. However, it may seem hard or simply get trickier as time moves along, we are constantly dealing with new struggles, events and unexpected changes. And even if it seems like we have time to do all the things we want to, once we actually start they all seem to take a lot more time and/or we get tired and start avoiding them. That is why, we have prepared a guide with tips that will help you accomplish your fitness goals whatever those may be and in the time and place you see convenient according to your lifestyle. Check it out!

Be realistic

Your ultimate fitness goal could be to be fit enough to participate in a competition on a set date or to do 10 laps in your backyard pool. Whatever the case, make this goal realistic. Remember that most of us will never be world-famous athletes or supermodels. Think about what is achievable for you and write those objectives down, depending on how much time you think you will have available each day, the gear you may need and what you are capable of doing or trying.

Be specific

Don’t make your ultimate goal a general statement like: ‘I want to lose weight’. Make it measurable. Exactly how much weight do you want to lose? And think if that aligns with your health needs and what your mind and body is asking for. Choose a goal that is meaningful and relevant for you and what you need according to your own lifestyle and agenda.

Start small

You are more likely to reach your ultimate goal if you break it down into small, short-term mini-goals. Short-term goals are specific, daily actions or behaviors that lead you to your ultimate goal. You could start by walking around your neighborhood so that you can later on start running. Maybe take some time in between tasks to walk your dog, play ball with your kids or even follow a dance routine online that will make you both sweat and have fun at the same time. If you are unsure how to best achieve your particular fitness goals, ask an expert or follow a specific plan that adapts to you.

Adapt your physical activity to changing circumstances

Life can interrupt your training schedule. Think about ways to cope with interruptions. For example, you may not be able to exercise in your usual way when on holidays, but you can always walk or use the hotel fitness facilities. If you get injured or become ill, don’t abandon your fitness goals. Instead, adjust your ultimate goal’s time frame. Come up with micro-goals to keep you on track while you recover. For example, you may be too ill to exercise, but you can improve your diet. If your fitness goal seems beyond you, readjust your mini-goals and stay motivated.

Don't compare yourself to others and remember to have fun

Make it fun! Wear clothes that you like and motivate you, find friends that are willing and can join you in certain activities throughout the week, prepare fun and different healthy meals and drink fun, fruity beverages that taste delicious and will keep you hydrated. Stop comparing yourself to others and thinking you should look like someone else to be happy, as long as you feel healthy you are becoming the best version of yourself possible and there is no one who you should look like, besides your own, beautiful self. Try cleaning your social media and stop following accounts that make you feel less and start following accounts and profiles that keep your mind and body healthy and that motivate you!

References

Physical activity – setting yourself goals