Improving your fitness can’t be done overnight. You should know that it takes countless hours of work to transform your body.
For those who are impatient and want to see results quickly, this can be an anxiety-inducing feeling.
To subside these negative feelings, it’s important to have short-term goals to urge you toward your ideal destination. Below you’ll find an in-depth look into what short-term fitness goals could look like.
What Are Short-Term Fitness Goals?
A short-term fitness goal is a fitness target you set for yourself to achieve within a short period, usually within the next couple of months.
You can expect various goals, such as losing a few pounds, running a certain distance, and improving your squat form.
What’s amazing about short-term goals is that they are easier to accomplish than long-term ones. That’s to say, short-term fitness goals keep you motivated and on track toward your long-term fitness goals.
They help to show you that you’re making progress, which can be a great confidence booster. So if you are looking to get fit, you can start by setting a few short-term fitness goals.
How Do You Set Short-Term Fitness Goals?
Short-term goals are your best friend when it comes to making small progress day by day. To create effective short-term fitness goals, you need to make them SMART.
The SMART goal technique ensures your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based. Let’s break that down further.
Specific
Making your short-term fitness goals specific helps you accomplish your goals easier than a vague goal. One example of a specific short-term goal is “complete 30 minutes of aerobatic exercise.” Whereas a vague goal would be “do some exercise today.”
Measurable
Your goals must be measurable so you know if you’re on course to meeting them. For instance, if you want to lose 5 pounds by the end of the month, you can measure this short-term goal by checking your weight each week.
That way, you are eyeing how much progress you’ve made. As the days go by, you have a clearer understanding of whether goal attainment is plausible.
Attainable
Ensure your goals are realistic and achievable given your current abilities. You want to succeed, not set a near-impossible goal for yourself.
If a goal is too easy or difficult, you may give up altogether because you’re unable to achieve it. So if you ever see that your goal isn’t working out, don’t be afraid to make adjustments along the way.
Relevant
You will only want to attain a goal if it’s relevant to your life. Create a short-term fitness goal that you would enjoy and be prepared for. Otherwise, you won’t be motivated to stay the course throughout.
Time-Based
To stick to your goals, you need to make them time-based. Set a deadline to stay accountable for goal attainment. Naturally, don’t be too harsh on yourself. Give yourself some breathing room so that you don’t become discouraged.
8 Short-Term Fitness Goals Examples
Do you need inspiration on what kind of fitness goals to pursue? Here are 8 short-term fitness goals examples to strive for today:
1. Stretch Each Day
It’s essential to make time for stretching, even if you feel wrapped up in a busy, hectic life. Especially if you sit at a desk all day or do a lot of driving.
Luckily, daily stretching doesn’t need to be a huge commitment. It is something we can do anywhere, at any time. Either in the morning or before bedtime, consider freeing up 5-10 minutes to stretch your body.
Stretching keeps your body flexible, which can prevent pain and injuries later on in your life. So whenever you feel stiff, stretching is an amazing fitness goal. Your body will thank you for it.
2. Go Outside for a Run
Some people may not be huge fans of running, but everyone has to admit that it’s an excellent way to exercise. There is something about running outdoors that’s better than being stuck inside on a treadmill.
Maybe it’s the fresh air or the scenery, but whatever the reason, you feel more invigorated after a run outdoors.
Studies have shown that outdoor natural environments have numerous benefits, including restoring mental fatigue and stress reduction.
Hence, lace up your sneakers and head out the door for a refreshing run, no matter how brief. You might enjoy it more than you thought.
3. Get a Workout Buddy
Everyone knows that working out is beneficial, but the problem is motivating yourself to hit the gym regularly. One way to make exercising more enjoyable and effective is to find a workout buddy.
Having someone to exercise with can push you to get into shape, and it’s also more fun than working out alone. Of course, it’s tough to find someone who shares your interests and schedule, but there are a few ways to go about it.
You could ask friends or family members if they’re interested, or look for local groups or meetups dedicated to fitness.
You can also check social media platforms for people in your area looking for a workout partner. With a little effort, you’re sure to find the perfect person to help you reach your desired targets.
4. Walk Instead of Driving
If you’re aiming to get fit, there is no need to sign up for a pricey gym membership or commit to hours of cardio every week. Sometimes the simplest changes can make a drastic difference.
For example, if you live close to work or the store, try walking instead of driving. It may not seem like much, but those extra steps can accumulate over time.
And as a bonus, walking is a low-impact exercise that is easy on your joints. The next time you’re debating whether to drive or walk, make the healthy choice and opt for a stroll.
5. Plan Your Workouts
If you’ve decided you want to get in shape and work out regularly, then that’s fantastic news!
But before you start randomly putting together a workout regimen, take a step back and think about your end game.
What are you hoping to achieve by working out? Do you want to lose weight, build muscle, or just improve your overall fitness? Once you know your objective, you can start planning your workouts accordingly.
To illustrate, if your fitness target is to lose weight, you’ll want to focus on cardiovascular exercises that burn calories. On the other hand, to build muscle, you will need to include strength-training exercises in your routine.
By scheduling your workouts around your fitness targets, you’ll be more likely to stick with your fitness plan and see the results you’re looking for.
6. Drink More Water
Know that getting enough water each day is essential. If you exercise and tend to sweat a lot, staying hydrated ensures your overall health doesn’t suffer.
If you are often a victim of dehydration, then you need to drink more water daily. To make sure your fluid needs are being met, you can always start small.
Add an extra glass or two to your daily intake. You will be surprised at how much better you feel when you’re properly hydrated.
7. Attend Yoga Class
It seems like everywhere you turn, someone is talking about the benefits of yoga and how it has changed their life. And you know what? It’s absolutely true.
If you’re considering trying yoga, I would highly recommend it. Especially since attending yoga classes is a simple fitness goal for beginners (yoga isn’t exactly known as the most intensive physical activity).
But if you are feeling shy, realize there are incredibly welcoming and supportive yoga communities out there. You will even find that yoga encourages mindfulness and relaxation.
8. Find a Physical Hobby
Trying a new physical hobby can be a fantastic way to get in shape and have fun simultaneously. If you are unsure where to start, consider your interests and choose an activity that aligns with them.
For instance, if you want to build muscle, you might try weightlifting or rock climbing. Or if you hope to improve your cardiovascular health, swimming and running are great options.
Jumping into any of these hobbies will relieve stress from the hustle and bustle of life. No matter what your goals are, there’s definitely a perfect hobby for you.
Final Thoughts
What’s wonderful about short-term fitness goals is that anyone can get started. If you’ve been thinking about improving your overall health, you should set short-term goals.
You’ll increase your self-confidence in handling challenges that come to light. There would be one less obstacle preventing you from staying consistent with your goals.
That said, make firm use of the short-term fitness goals listed above to push you in the right direction. You will surely be a step closer to a better version of yourself.
