5 Realistic Fitness Goals To Set This Year (And Exactly How to Accomplish Them)

We often kick off a new year with intentions of achieving fitness and health goals, centered around long-term ideals of physical appearance like weight loss or defined abs. However, when these goals have a focus on immediate well-being and feelings, they often falter within a short period, leaving us feeling disheartened and unsuccessful. Rather than perpetuating the cycle of unattainable fitness goals, consider setting objectives based on what is genuinely beneficial for your overall health.

2024 is YOUR year. You will achieve everything you set your mind to. The key to making progress, however, is to set achievable goals. Here are five to consider:

1. Commit to Walking More

Walking is a simple yet powerful exercise that can transform your physical health and boost your mood. If you're starting with this goal, a step tracker can help. Aim for 10,000 steps each day, or tailor it to your level and gradually increase your steps over time. Incorporate more walking into your daily routine by parking farther away, taking the stairs, or getting off a bus stop earlier.

2. Improve Your Flexibility

Working on your flexibility is often overlooked, but it's an essential part of fitness. Incorporating regular stretching or yoga into your fitness routine can help with this. Start with simple stretches, and over time, you'll see improvements. Just remember - consistency is key here.
The best way to do this is to Google "ballerina stretches" or "leg pilates stretches" and you'll find 5-10 minute flexibility workouts that will improve your posture, mood, and overall wellness.

3. Boost Your Strength

While many associate strength training with huge muscles, it's actually about improving your overall fitness and functional strength. Start with bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, or lunges. As you progress, consider adding weights or resistance bands to further challenge yourself. Aim for three strength-training sessions a week.
Do not increase the weight or repetitions unless you are confident that your form will remain intact, and pay extra attention to maintaining proper posture, especially when fatigue sets in.

4. Improve Your Nutrition

Fitness isn't just about exercise; it's also about what you eat. Setting a goal to improve your nutrition can make a significant impact on your fitness journey. Focus on incorporating more whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables into your meals. Don't forget to stay hydrated!

5. Prioritize Mental Fitness

Physical fitness and mental fitness go hand in hand. Prioritizing stress management techniques like mindfulness or meditation can help. Even a few minutes each day can make a big difference.
Now, you might be wondering, how exactly do you achieve these goals?
Here's how:

Making It Happen

1. Map Out Your Plan: Identify your goal, break it into smaller, achievable steps, and jot down how you'll accomplish them.

2. Stay Consistent: Set a schedule for your fitness activities and stick to it. Consistency will get you closer to your goal.

3. Celebrate Small Victories: Every step counts on the road to fitness. Celebrate your progress to keep the motivation up.

4. Get a Workout Buddy: A friend with similar goals can help keep you accountable and make working out more fun.

5. Listen to Your Body: Remember, rest is just as important as exercise in your fitness journey.

No two fitness journeys are the same, and what works for one person may not work for you. Listen to your body, set goals that feel good for you, and remember that every step you take is a step towards a healthier you. And, don't forget to enjoy the journey!

Tips for consistency:

Schedule workouts in your calendar

Just as you wouldn't miss an important work meeting or a scheduled appointment with friends, your workout regimen deserves equal importance. Prioritize your fitness sessions with the same dedication and seriousness you bring to other commitments.
A simple way to do this is by scheduling them in advance. You could either register for an online fitness class or schedule a specific time slot for activities like jogging. By placing these on your calendar, not only are you more likely to adhere to your fitness goals, but you're also likely to be punctual, well-prepared, and fully committed to each session.
When you have completed an activity, put a checkmark, star, highlight it, or cross it. Just imagine the satisfaction: at the end of the month when you look at your calendar, all your workout and sports sessions will be crossed out with a black sharpie, and that's when you'll know you did the job.

Remind yourself of your “why” every day

The primary reason New Year's resolutions don't see the light of February is because we tend to lose sight of our 'why'. Take the resolution, "going to the gym every day," as an instance. This is a great goal, yet its true concept and impact are purely based on underlying motivation and the idea of what will be achieved with that. Instead ask questions like: What drives you to hit the gym daily? Is it a pursuit for strength, a quest for confidence, or a desire for longevity?
Ignoring these persuasive arguments results in our objectives losing their appeal and, subsequently, our likelihood of attaining them becomes less likely. Sooo, remember to keep your 'why' at the forefront of your resolutions; it is, after all, the guiding star of your personal journey.

Aim for balance

Exerting excessive effort in workouts without adequate time for rest and recovery can result in burnout, injuries, and overall fatigue. Rather than setting goals based on workout intensity or duration, prioritize balance, recognizing that health is about equilibrium, not perfection.
Giving equal importance to rest and exercise contributes to optimal physical and mental well-being. In essence, pay attention to your body's signals more than adhering strictly to a workout plan or fitness routine.