Establish Realistic Fitness Goals Post-Holiday Season
The holiday season, known for its family gatherings, crowded homes, and abundant meals, has come and gone. Now it’s time to establish realistic fitness goals to prepare for a healthier lifestyle in spring and summer.
After the indulgent festivities of Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of us find ourselves flocking to gyms with one common thought: “Time to work off those holiday calories.”
However, with busy schedules filled with work, family duties, and various responsibilities, starting and maintaining a new fitness regimen can be daunting.
So, where do you begin to establish realistic fitness goals?
Create a Plan to Establish Realistic Fitness Goals
First and foremost, you need a clear, realistic fitness plan. This doesn’t mean setting unattainable goals such as, “I will lose fifty pounds in a week.” Instead, you should establish realistic fitness goals that you can reach over time without endangering your health. Moreover, setting achievable goals helps to avert disappointment and the subsequent demotivation that comes with failing to reach them.
Strategize Short and Long-Term Goals
Having set your objectives, it’s time to strategize.
- Write down your fitness goals and create a checklist.
- Regularly monitor your progress.
- Constantly remind yourself of your ultimate fitness destination.
- Develop strategies for achieving your goals.
- Use tracking tools and apps to assist your progress.
I personally utilize Garmin Connect, being a long-time Garmin GPS user, to keep track of my progress. As for mapping out my workout routes, I use Map My Run, which allows me to plot different paths, adding variety to my walks with my dogs and reducing monotony.
Tailoring Goals to Your Personality: The Key to Establishing Realistic Fitness Goals
Most of us are not Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, or Australian fitness influencer Emily Skye. Therefore, it’s vital to not only establish realistic fitness goals but also align them with your interests to stave off boredom.
Maintain Commitment to Your Fitness Journey
Consistency is crucial. Stay true to your plan, both during the highs and lows. Remember, you have to set practical workout goals.
Although I often choose to rest indoors when I’m unwell, I generally advocate for a consistent fitness routine.
Build a supportive network of friends and family. Surround yourself with positive and motivating individuals who are eager to support your journey, or perhaps even join you in it.
Join a Fitness Club – I found a love for rucking and joined local GoRuck-affiliated clubs. Remarkably, I lost a significant amount of weight in a short period just by walking with
a weighted backpack. The club gatherings in San Antonio typically start at The Pearl, proceeding on 5 to 12-mile training rucks. The lively conversations help make the time fly by.
While exercising can sometimes feel repetitive, with the right mindset and support, you can overcome this obstacle.
Here’s wishing you good luck as you establish realistic fitness goals for a healthier lifestyle!
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