Are you looking to get in shape, once and for all? If so, you need to set goals. Read on to learn how to set fitness goals.
Did you know that 80% of people don’t get enough exercise?
Sure, it’s tough to get to the gym. Especially if you’re tasked with taking care of kids or you’re working full-time.
Don’t let excuses keep you from living a healthier life, though! If you’re looking to get started, we’ve got the tips you’ll need.
Here’s everything you should know about setting fitness goals.
Set Healthy Fitness Goals
Knowing that you’d like to target weight loss and muscle gain is a great way to kick off your fitness.
However, it’s important to remember that there’s more to fitness than reps at the gym. The best fitness plans are all about living a healthy lifestyle 24/7.
That means changing the way you eat, think, move, and even sleep.
For starters, you’ll have to get rid of some of your favorite snacks. If you’re eating more calories than you’re burning, it’s impossible to get fit. Don’t worry, you can still indulge in your favorite dessert every once in a while — just do so in moderation and still have successful weight loss.
It’s also a good idea to keep a journal to document your progress. It might seem like a silly idea, but looking back on your past progress can make even the toughest days more bearable.
Finally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Studies found that a lack of sleep messes with your brain’s reward center. To make up for the lack of sleep, your brain sends signals to your stomach telling you to eat more in hopes of activating that pleasure center.
Be Realistic
We all want that Hollywood-esque physique with a slim, toned body and six-pack abs that look chiseled out of stone.
And on one hand, it’s understandable to want that physique. But on the other, it isn’t exactly the most realistic mindset.
Your favorite Hollywood star has that body because they spend hours each day in the gym, treating it like a full-time job. Not to mention, they often have the help of a nutritionist who cooks and measures all of their meals.
The good news is that you can get those ripped abs! Just remember that a flat stomach isn’t the be-all-end-all of a healthier lifestyle.
Set goals that are realistic and reachable. At first, your best bet is to set smaller goals, like working out for a certain number of days per week or eating a certain amount of healthy foods.
Think About the Longterm
Setting goals isn’t only about the here and now. It’s also about setting your future self up for success.
Longterm success is one of the biggest hurdles people face when getting fit. It’s easier to lose 10 pounds than to keep it off.
As you start to set goals for yourself, think about ways in which you can support your new healthy lifestyle for years to come.
Some Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, we’d like to reiterate once again that fitness is about more than how much you can lift or how far you can run.
It’s about setting yourself up for a better future.
Setting fitness goals is the easy part. Now, it’s on you to make that future a reality.
For more tips on how you can live your best life, check out our selection of healthy living articles!