How to Make Attainable Fitness Goals
By Genevieve Cunningham
When we finally get the motivation to start exercising and get fit, we often set lofty goals for ourselves. We’re ready to make change, and we want to see results right now! Unfortunately, that’s not the way it works. And if we’re not careful and we set goals that are too big, we may lose motivation and end any progress before it begins. So what are we supposed to do? We’re supposed to keep it realistic. We’re supposed to set attainable goals that still push us forward. But how? If you need a little help getting your fitness goals in line, take a look at these tips to get you started.
Start Small
Don’t set out to lose 100 pounds. Even if you need to lose 100 pounds in the long run, don’t make that your one and only goal. Start with 10, or maybe even fewer. Why? Because starting with a small number allows you to taste success very quickly. You’ll set a goal, meet it, and as a result, your psyche is boosted. You can move on to bigger, more difficult goals later, but in the beginning, smaller is better.
Get Real About Your Body
Not all bodies are made equal, and that’s OK. Some people are long and lean. Some are shaped heavier on the bottom half. Some are thick from top to bottom. All of these body types are OK … what’s important is health! But if you make goals that are better suited to someone else’s body type, you’re not going to have the results that you want. Focus on your body and your health. Focus on the areas that you can improve, and don’t try to look like someone else. Focus on looking like your best self, and the positive results will come.
Don’t Strive for Perfection
Nobody's perfect. The athlete, the supermodel, the actor … all of these people have flaws. They just pay people to hide them! Don’t get so focused on perfection that you miss the improvements. The improvements in your body are more important than the perfect image in your mind. If you can focus on making improvements, and leave the idea of perfection far behind, you’ll feel more successful, more confident, and be more likely to stick with your routine for the long haul.
Making goals is always a good idea. It gives us something to work toward and something to strive for. But it’s so important to be realistic about these goals. Use these tips to set fitness goals that are tailor fit to your body. With the right goals and a plan of action, you’ll be enjoying a better body and better health before you know it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aliso Viejo, Calif.
