Real Goals, Real Results: How to Set Fitness Goals and Stick to Them

So, you’ve decided it’s time to set some fitness goals—yay! Setting goals is one of the best ways to stay motivated and keep your fitness journey on track. But let’s be honest: it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and set goals that are either too big, too vague, or just plain unrealistic. Trust me, I’ve been there!

The good news is that with a little guidance, you can set realistic, achievable goals that will keep you inspired and on the right path. Today, I’m sharing my top tips on how to set fitness goals that you can actually achieve, along with some personal advice on staying committed and celebrating your progress. Let’s dive in!

Start with Why: Understanding Your Motivation

Before you even think about what your goals are, it’s important to start with your “why.” Why do you want to get fit? Why do you want to lose weight, build muscle, or run that 5K? Your “why” is your driving force, and it’s what will keep you going when things get tough.

For me, my “why” has always been about feeling strong and confident, especially during those times in my life when I needed to rebuild myself. Knowing that my workouts aren’t just about burning calories, but about empowering myself both mentally and physically, keeps me showing up even on the hardest days.

Take a moment to reflect on your “why.” Write it down, keep it somewhere visible, and remind yourself of it often. Your goals should always be connected to something that truly matters to you.

Be Specific: Define Clear and Measurable Goals

One of the biggest mistakes I know people make is setting vague goals like “get fit” or “lose weight.” These are great aspirations, but they’re not specific enough to guide your actions. Instead, set clear and measurable goals that leave no room for confusion. Think about exactly what you want to achieve and put it into specific terms.

For example:

• Instead of “lose weight,” try “lose 10 pounds in three months.”

• Instead of “run more,” try “run a 5K in under 30 minutes by the end of the season.”

• Instead of “get stronger,” try “increase my squat weight by 20 pounds in six weeks.”

The more specific you are, the better. Your goals should be clear, and measurable, and give you something concrete to work towards.

Break It Down: Set Small, Actionable Steps

Big goals are exciting, but they can also be overwhelming if you don’t break them down into smaller, actionable steps. I like to think of these as mini-goals or checkpoints along the way to your main goal. Each small step is an opportunity to celebrate progress and keep your momentum going.

For instance, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, break it down into smaller milestones like losing five pounds at a time. If you’re working towards running a marathon, start with running shorter distances and gradually increase over time. These mini-goals make the journey feel more manageable and give you regular wins to celebrate.

One thing I always do is map out these steps on a calendar or planner. It’s motivating to see your progress laid out and know exactly what the next step is.

Make It Realistic: Set Goals That Fit Your Lifestyle

Setting realistic goals is crucial to your success. If your goal doesn’t fit your current lifestyle, you’re setting yourself up for frustration and burnout. Think about your schedule, commitments, and the time you can realistically dedicate to your fitness journey.

For example, if you’re super busy with work, kids, or other obligations, setting a goal to work out for two hours every day might not be feasible. Instead, aim for 30-minute workouts five days a week and build from there. It’s better to start small and be consistent than to aim too high and feel like you’ve failed when you can’t keep up.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your goals should be tailored to you, your needs, and your lifestyle. Be honest with yourself about what you can commit to, and you’ll be much more likely to stick with it.

Stay Flexible: Adjust Your Goals as Needed

Life happens, and sometimes our plans need to change. Maybe you get injured, work gets crazy, or your priorities shift. It’s okay! One of the best things you can do is stay flexible and be willing to adjust your goals when needed.

Adjusting doesn’t mean giving up—it means being smart and adapting to what’s going on in your life. If you need to extend your timeline or tweak your approach, that’s totally fine. The important thing is to keep moving forward, even if it’s at a different pace than you originally planned.

I’ve had to adjust my own goals countless times, and you know what? That’s part of the journey. Stay kind to yourself, be patient, and remember that progress is progress, no matter how slow.

Track Your Progress: Keep Yourself Accountable

One of the most powerful ways to stay motivated is to track your progress. Whether it’s writing in a fitness journal, using an app, or just taking weekly photos, tracking lets you see the changes that might not be visible day to day. It’s also a great way to hold yourself accountable and stay committed to your goals.

For me, my Apple Watch has been a game-changer for tracking everything from workouts to steps to calories burned. But even a simple notebook can do wonders. Write down your workouts, celebrate your wins, and take note of any challenges or setbacks. This process keeps you engaged and connected to your journey.

Celebrate the Wins: Big and Small

Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate! Every step forward is worth celebrating, whether it’s hitting a new personal best, losing a few pounds, or simply showing up on a day you didn’t feel like it. Recognizing your achievements keeps you motivated and reminds you of how far you’ve come.

Set up little rewards for yourself along the way—a new pair of workout leggings, a relaxing massage, or a special treat. Celebrations keep the journey fun and give you something to look forward to.

Setting realistic fitness goals is all about finding what works for you, staying flexible, and celebrating every step of the way. Remember, this journey is yours, and the most important thing is that you’re showing up and doing your best. I’m so excited to see you crush your goals, and I’m always here to cheer you on.

As always, thank you so much for spending a few minutes of your time with me today! Don’t forget to check out my Class Schedule for all my upcoming locations and times — I’d love to see you in class! And if you’re curious about any of my go-to products or recommendations, head over to the My Favorites page where I answer all your most frequently asked questions about what I use and love. Until next time...

...stay happy and healthy!