So I guess August is a thing now?
Looking back at July and the summer as a whole, I realized that my health and fitness goals have lacked direction and I didn’t have a way of measuring progress and success. I looked to the scale and the mirror, which can be misleading.
It’s been: eat clean as possible and workout at least 5 days a week in order to look and feel better. What’s better? Maybe it’s just the marketing nerd in me wanting to run the numbers, assess the “campaign,” evaluate the ROI so I can adjust and keep growing, but I don’t know how well I’ve done or what I can fix because I never set realistic or concrete goals.
Don’t get me wrong, I feel great. I’ve been eating tons of fresh produce (all the kale and berries I can get my hands on), healthy fats (avocados and almond butter), proteins (veggies, beans and plenty of greek yogurt), drinking at least 40 – 60 oz of water a day and not too afraid of the occasional splurge to maintain sanity (hello – Big Gay Ice Cream anyone?)
I’ve also really enjoyed becoming a morning exerciser and focusing more on strength training, especially my arms and upper body.
But I’m slowly coming to the understanding that fitness isn’t just about doing what it takes to look good. Goals based on appearance set you up for comparison, negativity and they are never truly fulfilled.
Just For Fun: This was me a year ago on August 1st
I’m learning that, for me, it’s about pushing the limits and challenging myself to do something I never imaged I would be able to do. As a result, feeling stronger, faster and more confident.
So to get to the point I’m setting 5 fitness goals for August that have nothing to do with what I look like. I’m taking the focus off the mirror and back into my arms and legs and heart and lungs where it belongs.
1.) Run 5k in under 25:30
2.) Hold a plank for longer than 4 minutes
3.) Have at least two 10+mile runs this month
4.) Sign up for at least 2 races this fall and start training
5.) Accept, love and fuel my body to achieve these goals
Your turn!
What goals do you have for August, fitness related or not?
Solid goals! I need to get better at making measurable goals because “just get better” is hard to enforce haha.
Exactly! Plus how do you know when and how well you “did better.” Plus concrete goals are easier to make plans for.
i’m a big fan of trying not to be so appearance focused when it comes to my fitness goals. definitely a setup for disappointment and poor self esteem! i am loving your meals. they look delish. go for it with that plank!!! i want to hit 5:30 next. and that 5k time is BOSS girl. way to be a speed demon!
Thanks! It’s so much harder for me to go that fast by myself when I’m outside. As soon as I’m racing next to someone I get super competitive or if I’m on a treadmill it’s easier to see. It’s definitely a tough goal but it’s something to work towards.
Love this! I think setting goals that aren’t based on appearance is such a great approach. I find they tend to leave me feeling much more accomplished and satisfied!
My goals are to make another appointment with a physiotherapist and go to a yoga class!
I’m up for a plank challenge this month. Right now I am at 2:25. 4 minutes is ambitious.
2:25 is solid! My record is 3:30 but I’m sure I can always improve my form as well.