Set Realistic Fitness Goals

When embarking on a new health and fitness journey, it’s important to remember that the road to wellness is a marathon, not a sprint. While at the outset you may think you can lose 20 pounds in a month or start running before you can walk, when your goals aren’t realistic you are vastly more likely to get discouraged and give up. Here are some things to keep in mind when setting fitness goals.

1. Use mile markers along the way

If one of your goals is significant weight loss, your ultimate goal can loom large on a distant horizon. Instead of making a goal of losing 40 pounds, try setting a goal of losing 10 pounds, four times. Remember to reward yourself for your hard work at each milestone.

2. Don’t focus on the scale

Fitness journeys are a series of peaks and valleys. You need to focus on something other than the scale to keep your motivation level high. Take measurements at the end of every month, or time yourself walking or running a kilometre. In periods of weight loss plateau, which will inevitably happen, you can use still see yourself getting better, faster and stronger.

3. You don’t have to do it alone

Working out with a buddy can be a serious motivator. Making that standing appointment to go to the gym together will encourage you to go on days when you’d rather flop on the couch and watch reality TV. If you don’t have any friends who make willing gym partners, consider getting even more oomph in your workouts by hiring a personal trainer.

4. You’re not in high school anymore

If you’re of a woman of a certain age, it’s time to come to terms with the fact that you may never be the same size you were on the day graduated high school. After a couple of kids and a couple of decades, you might never get back to the size you were in your 20s. And that’s OK, you are amazing, just as you are!

5. STOP QUITTING!

A popular saying in exercise circles is “If you’re tired of starting over, STOP QUITTING!” Truer words were never spoken.