I’ve heard about writing down fitness goals.  I have never done that .... yet.
However, how complex does it really get?  Other than weight loss and body fat % goals, what other goals are there that are quantifiable?

What goals have all of you out there set for yourselves?

Goals are definable by the context of the setting.  Here are some of my past goals:

- Join a gym —Spent Sept/Oct 2007 researching gyms - Ultimately joined LA Fitness
- Chose one piece of cardio equipment and ran through all the programs - Spent 2 weeks learning and working out at the gym’s Precor Eliptical CrossTrainer (looks like a cross country skier spinning a gerbil wheel)
- Figured out my Target Heart Rate (used the PDF from this site: http://www.lifetimefitness.com/heart_rate/ ) and worked towards 30 mins of continuous exercise into that zone—Took about a month to achieve the AT Level (Also purchased a POLAR Heart Rate Monitor for ease of use)
- New Year 2008—Learn a new piece of equipment/or group class at the gym each month.  January was Spinning class—February is Rowing Machine—March TBD

Goals are whatever you set - But as Scott states, Goal Number 1 is:  START MOVING, STAY MOVING!

Hi Jeff,

Like jhsimpson says, goals can be pretty much anything you want.  When I started my weight loss, I had a weight target (actually, since I didnt’ have a scale, it was a “belt notches” target) and a clothing size target.  Now, my goal is to reach blue belt at my dojo (I’m currently green belt) and to keep my clothing the size I’m at now.

You might have more athletic-style goals, like running a race (5k, 10k, half-marathon, marathon), doing a specific type of sport or activity, getting a particular certification… the list is endless.  Just be sure that whatever you pick is something clear, so you’ll know when you get it.

Weight targets and body fat percentage targets are great, but they aren’t reasons. 

Oh, and you might want to check out this thread, in which people list a whole lotta goals, almost none of them with weight targets. 

Cheers,
Julie

Thanks for the suggestions!  You’ve opened my mind to possibilities.

OK, I’ve been thinking, and that, alone, is amazing in itself ha, ha

Here are some goals I would like to achieve:
1) Lose 20 lbs by Canada Day (July 1st)
2) Pursue one new machine at the gym per month (not necessarily master it)

Why?
1) So that no one else has to care for me when I get old.
2) I can take my shirt off at the beach and feel good about it.
3) So that I can inspire other people, and tell my story.
4) So that I can feel good!

Hi Jeff,

Those are great!  Maybe I’ll come out to Toronto one day to see you sexy and shirtless on the beach (if my boyfriend lets me, of course ).

Cheers,
Julie