Your Goals and Staying Fit

It is a common misconception that exercising is easy, especially when you do it on a regular basis.  Anyone who has attempted to begin exercising can tell you that it’s not all roses and rainbows.  Starting a workout plan is difficult, especially when the “challenge” looses it’s luster.  But, keeping goals and a “want” list can keep you motivated and successful.   I learned this the hard way.

A few months ago, I decided that I wanted to be a “more fit” person.  Not necessarily bulk up, but just stay healthy.  I would eat right, exercise at least 5 times a week, and get in better shape.  I’m not overweight or on the verge of any serious conditions, but it was something I had always wanted to try and had never done.  It seemed like the perfect time to test the fitness waters.

Wrong.  Not so much.

My working out lasted about two or three weeks and then I became tired and worn out.  My eating choices continued to be healthy but I wasn’t as tough on myself as I was when I was working out.  This rut lasted for a few months until I realized recently that I needed smaller, more visible goals to keep me going out of the gate.

These smaller goals needed to be the lifeblood of my fitness plan.

Sure, my goals to be a healthier person and to get in better shape were great, but they didn’t have any physical dimensions – I couldn’t rely on them to get me exercising on a morning that I didn’t feel like doing anything.

More tangible goals, like the ones listed below, are great for those tough days when you know you should be exercising but really don’t feel like it.

Here are some of the goals I’ve put into place for my workouts and exercise times.  Remember – these goals are always going to change as I accomplish them.  Keep giving yourself new goals.

• Biking/running/walking routes that I have never traveled.
• Daily changing the workout routine that I do.  I even make it to where I’m not doing the same workout routine in back to back weeks.
• Trying to exercise with other people at least once a week.
• Participating in at least three different exercise styles each week (i.e. running, biking, tennis, working out, etc.)

These are only a few of the small goals that I’ve come up for myself in relation to exercising and staying in shape.  These goals are tangible.  I can see the results from them each day.

Having smaller, more visible goals will help you get through those moments when you don’t want to exercise and they will prove to be a vital part of your routine.