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A Guide to Reaching a Fitness Goal That Seems Out of Reach
Achieving a fitness goal, especially one that is beyond anything
you've ever done before, takes willpower, motivation, and
persistence. These three characteristics are usually ones you have
to dig deep for, and as you know, there are many obstacles that try
to block them from surfacing. However, there would be no such
things as 5K's, marathons, Iron Man races, or even the Olympics if
everyday people didn't set and accomplish their fitness goals. No
matter how impossible it may seem, you are capable of achieving
what you set your mind to. We hope these tips will give you an
extra push toward reaching your goal.
• If you don't already have a goal, the first step is, obviously, to make one. When thinking of a goal or analyzing your current goal, you must evaluate its purpose. Whether the point is to lose weight, accomplish your first 5K, or give back by biking 100 miles in a charity event, knowing that there is a purpose to be fulfilled will keep your motivation on a higher level.
• Make a plan and keep track of your progress. Maintaining a long-term goal is important, but breaking it up into smaller goals is even more important. When training for a half-marathon, you can't go out and run 13 miles on the first day. You must start with one or two miles and gradually build your way up. Keep a calendar or a chart of your daily goals and cross off the days as you go on. You will be able to visually keep track of your progress and what comes next, as well as feel the satisfaction of crossing off each accomplished goal.
• Stare your goal in the face! Post your goal right next to your bed, or somewhere where you are bound to see it multiple times a day. This constant reminder will keep you on the right track, and keep you motivated.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether you think you need help getting started or help getting over failures or slumps along the way, there is always someone you can count on. Setting the same goal with a friend or simply finding a workout buddy is a great way to stay on top of things. Also, a personal trainer will give you professional approval of your goal and can help you find the best way to achieve it.
• Most importantly, make reaching your goal fun! There are going to be rough patches, times you want to quit, but making it through those times will boost your confidence more than anything. If you are experiencing a slump, find a new way to motivate yourself. Create a new route. Buy a new pair of shoes. Change the music on your iPod or MP3 player. Find something that will make you look forward to your next workout!
Even if you are starting from square one, as long as you never give up, you will get there. You will reach your goal. Find a way to defeat the nagging voice in your head telling you to take a nap instead, or that it is too hard for you to do. As the late Audrey Hepburn once said, "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says "I’m possible!'"
• If you don't already have a goal, the first step is, obviously, to make one. When thinking of a goal or analyzing your current goal, you must evaluate its purpose. Whether the point is to lose weight, accomplish your first 5K, or give back by biking 100 miles in a charity event, knowing that there is a purpose to be fulfilled will keep your motivation on a higher level.
• Make a plan and keep track of your progress. Maintaining a long-term goal is important, but breaking it up into smaller goals is even more important. When training for a half-marathon, you can't go out and run 13 miles on the first day. You must start with one or two miles and gradually build your way up. Keep a calendar or a chart of your daily goals and cross off the days as you go on. You will be able to visually keep track of your progress and what comes next, as well as feel the satisfaction of crossing off each accomplished goal.
• Stare your goal in the face! Post your goal right next to your bed, or somewhere where you are bound to see it multiple times a day. This constant reminder will keep you on the right track, and keep you motivated.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether you think you need help getting started or help getting over failures or slumps along the way, there is always someone you can count on. Setting the same goal with a friend or simply finding a workout buddy is a great way to stay on top of things. Also, a personal trainer will give you professional approval of your goal and can help you find the best way to achieve it.
• Most importantly, make reaching your goal fun! There are going to be rough patches, times you want to quit, but making it through those times will boost your confidence more than anything. If you are experiencing a slump, find a new way to motivate yourself. Create a new route. Buy a new pair of shoes. Change the music on your iPod or MP3 player. Find something that will make you look forward to your next workout!
Even if you are starting from square one, as long as you never give up, you will get there. You will reach your goal. Find a way to defeat the nagging voice in your head telling you to take a nap instead, or that it is too hard for you to do. As the late Audrey Hepburn once said, "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says "I’m possible!'"
