Nothing worth attaining is ever achieved overnight. Getting fit follows the same principle. If you’ve got fitness goals, one of the most effective ways to get yourself going is to commit to an activity that requires dedicated training over a period of time.
I’ve set fitness goals for myself in the past. I wanted to become a runner, so I opted to train for a half-marathon. It took me twelve weeks, and I went from zero to running 13.1 miles in under 2:30. I ended up running five half-marathons in five years before finally breaking the two-hour barrier. After achieving a personal best time of 1:59:54, I retired my long distance sneakers. Breaking them out now only on very rare occasions.
Hockey goals
I wanted to become a better ice skater, so I committed to taking hockey lessons for three months. This lead to meeting my first rag-tag hockey team, and falling in love with the game. I wanted to train even more, so I signed up for power skating with kids under a coach named the ‘Dragon Lady’.
Hockey grew on me, and inspired me to set new goals in pursuit of literally getting goals. Ultimately, I ended up finding an awesome group of women with whom I have played on a team with for over a decade. (Go Goaldiggers!) I’m also happy to say that I have scored some literal goals in my hockey career, as well as some metaphorical ones.
Setting any kind of activity-based goal provides focus and motivation, and a personal challenge that is rewarding in ways beyond just physical. It improves confidence, and clarity, and makes you feel better about a lot of things. It helps you realize that yes, you can do what you set your mind to.
Find your best program
With the abundance of facilities, personal trainers, and online resources, finding a program is easy. It’s committing to it that can be the challenge. No matter the activity you’d like to do, the training should be geared towards your appropriate level. Whether that’s beginner, intermediate or advanced. Be realistic about gains, and provide a comfortably progressive increase in training as you stride towards your fitness goals.
If you’re training for an organized run or walk, it’s easy to head outdoors around your own neighbourhood, or a nearby park or recreational area. Indoors on a track or treadmill is always a nice alternative in inclement weather. Changing up your environment every now and then keeps it as interesting as it is challenging.
For cycling, map out a range of distances that are varying in length, and are also scenic and enjoyable. You could also join cycling groups via meet-up apps to help discover new routes. If you’d like to stay inside, log miles on an exercise cycle, or park your outdoor bike on an indoor trainer. I like to position my spinner in front of the screen for guiltfree TV! Another great option is spin classes, available at many facilities, as well as online.
Identify your fitness goals
I’m not yet sure what my next big fitness goals will be. But I am sure it will require as much fitness as I can put into it. So I maintain regular training of some kind year-round, involving cardio, strength, and stretching. But for you… ask yourself this…
Three months from now, six months from now, one year from now… what would you like to be able to do? What are your fitness goals? There’s no better time then the present to plan for your future. I challenge you to challenge yourself and set an activity goal today.
Your body, mind and spirit will thank you.
