Setting Short-Term Fitness Goals

Whether you’re thinking of New Year’s resolutions or want to make a lifestyle change, starting with an ambitious goal, like running a marathon or biking over 50 miles, may be tempting. However, while big, ambitious goals are important, you must also consider the steps you’ll take to achieve them. This is where short-term goals come in and can help you feel more accomplished as you work toward your long-term fitness goal.

What Are Short-Term Fitness Goals

Short-term goals in fitness are things you want to achieve in the near future. This could mean accomplishing the goal today, this week, this month or within the next six months. A good short-term goal should relate to your long-term goal and take you closer to achieving it.

How to Set Short-Term Fitness Goals

Like any goal, your short-term goals should be specific, purposeful, measurable and time-bound. Some examples of short-term goals include:

• Attend a fitness class once a week
• Learn how to do one proper pull-up
• Run two days a week

A short-term goal is a process goal or the steps you take to achieve an ideal outcome. As you set your short-term goals, your focus should be the day-to-day work that will help you be successful. For example, if you want to run your first half marathon, your short-term goals can be to stay consistent with your training and eat more vegetables during your training time.

By focusing on the process, the steps you take to achieve your goal become less of something you need to do and more of a fun activity you’ll want to do. Setting short-term goals also helps you focus on small wins throughout your day or week, making you feel more fulfilled as you achieve your goal.

Much like any goal, your short-term goals require you to hold yourself accountable. This can mean telling friends and family about what you hope to achieve so more people are invested in helping you succeed or blocking time on your schedule to focus on your fitness goals.

Achieve Your Fitness Goals at 5 Bridges Health & Fitness

Are you ready to reach your short-term goals? Our welcoming environment at 5 Bridges Health & Fitness makes it easy to start and stay working toward your goals. Knock out your goals at one of our group classes with a personal trainer or our full gym equipment to enjoy. We invite you to explore our membership options, and we look forward to welcoming you to our gym.