5 Common Health and Fitness Goals to Avoid

Setting health and fitness goals is a great way to improve your overall well-being and feel confident in your own skin. However, not all goals are cre

 

5 Common Health and Fitness Goals to Avoid

 

What, exactly, are your fitness goals?

Any effort to “get in shape” starts with this question.

It seems like an easy question to answer.

Just rattle off how many pounds you want to lose, what pant size you want to wear, how much weight you want to deadlift, or the date you need to look photo-ready… and you’re on your way.

Of course, that’s how most people set their fitness goals. But are they doing it right?

Usually not.

That’s why we spend a lot of time helping our coaching clients define and set the right kind of goals.

When you set your goals up properly, you have a simple, elegant, action-inspiring blueprint. You know exactly how you’re going to build the skills you need to get the body you want.

Proper goal setting is a plan for getting things done. When you do goals right, you feel ready, willing, and able to make your dream happen.

When you don’t know how to set goals, you get lost. Confused. Overwhelmed. Crushed by “shoulds”. Distracted by wondering and worrying, or by irrelevant details. If you succeed with poor or unclear goals, it’s probably by accident.

 Setting health and fitness goals is a great way to improve your overall well-being and feel confident in your own skin. However, not all goals are created equal. Some health and fitness goals can actually be harmful and counter-productive to your progress. It's important to understand what types of goals to avoid so you can set yourself up for success and avoid disappointment or injury.

Here are 5 common health and fitness goals to avoid:

1.    Rapid Weight Loss: Losing weight too quickly can lead to muscle loss and decreased metabolism, making it harder to keep the weight off in the long term. It can also be harmful to your health and lead to nutrient deficiencies. Instead, focus on slow and steady weight loss, aiming to lose 1-2 pounds per week through a balanced diet and consistent exercise.

2.    Comparing Yourself to Others: Comparing your progress to others can be demotivating and cause you to lose sight of your own goals. Instead, focus on your own progress and celebrate your own victories, no matter how small they may be.

3.    Neglecting Sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for physical and mental health, yet it is often neglected in the pursuit of health and fitness goals. Skipping sleep can lead to decreased energy levels, decreased motivation, and decreased performance in the gym. Make sure to prioritize sleep and aim for 7-9 hours per night.

4.    Focusing on Aesthetics Over Function: While it's natural to want to look good, focusing too much on aesthetics can lead to neglecting important functional movements and exercises. This can lead to imbalances, increased risk of injury, and decreased overall performance. Focus on functional movements that improve your overall strength, flexibility, and mobility.

5.    Ignoring the Importance of Balance: Pursuing health and fitness goals can be all-consuming, but it's important to maintain a balance between exercise, nutrition, and other areas of your life such as work, relationships, and self-care. Neglecting these other areas can lead to burnout and decreased motivation to continue pursuing your health and fitness goals.

In conclusion, avoiding these common health and fitness goals will help you set yourself up for success and maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Remember to focus on slow and steady progress, celebrate your own victories, prioritize sleep and self-care, and maintain a balanced approach to health and fitness.