Your fitness goals don’t always have to be based upon weight-loss. In fact, here are 5 fitness goals that have absolutely nothing to do with weight-loss.
Nowadays it seems as though the only reason why people want to work out is to lose weight or achieve fat loss. If you’re making the effort to get your 7 layers of winter coat gear on, trudging through the snow in the cold, skipping out on happy hour, or even losing some quality sleep time, there’s got to be a solid reason. But what if that solid reason has absolutely nothing to do with weight-loss? There are so many reasons why you should spend your quality time in the gym and they might actually be more impactful long term.
1. Stress Reliever
With society and the fitness industry putting so much effort on weight-loss, how on earth can you possibly enjoy yourself and your workout? Exercise should not be stressful. In fact it should be the opposite. In fact, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA states that the majority of health care professionals suggest exercise as the top form of stress management. If you find your weight-loss goals are creating stress around your life, I urge you to rethink your goals.
Instead focus on the gym as “Me Time”. This is an opportunity for you to do something for YOU and only you.
Busy with kids? Work? The constant grind of living in a city? The pressures from family and friends to succeed?
Take one hour for yourself, or even just 20 minutes! Put on those headphones, let that music rock, and for just those moments, let that shit go.
2. Personal Records
I don’t know about you, but when I’m in the gym and I lift something heavy AF or I run further than I thought I could, or I take a class that looks super scary and out of my comfort zone… I FEEL AMAZING AFTER!
Instead of focusing so hard on weight-loss, start putting a focus on all that your body is capable of.
Whatever Personal Record you’re working on, schedule a fitness test with your personal trainer and get after it! Going to the gym can feel super motivating when we have specific accomplishments in mind.
3. Improved Quality of Life
Out of breath when you walk up the stairs?
DREADING carrying laundry or groceries?
Don’t sleep well?
Or maybe you have a history of diabetes in your family.
Maybe you’re more susceptible to osteoporosis.
Maybe you are trying to avoid high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Whatever it may be… exercise can not only improve your quality of life with higher function for daily tasks, but it can also serve as PREVENTATIVE care for your future quality of daily living.
4. Setting An Example
Speaking of the medical history of your family… an amazing goal can be to set a good example for your loved ones.
Whether it’s your own children or whether it’s older family members who you’re trying to encourage to get healthy, by having discipline in the gym you are setting a good example for your family!
Trust me, when you’re out here relieving stress, setting new PRs, and running up those subway steps… people WILL take notice and they will want to get involved.
Invite them to join with you! Make it a fun family bonding experience! Keep each other accountable! That is how we create healthy habits for life!
5. Feeling Good
Nothing beats the high you get after you accomplish an amazing workout.
Not feeling motivated to go? Remember that after-workout-feeling! Not only do you feel accomplished, but you may actually feel happy, uplifted, and energized!
This is definitely a goal that gets me in the door during these cold, dark, New York City winter months.
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