A lot of people are guilty of perpetuating the misconception that being fit and healthy is the same as maintaining a certain body weight. While bodyweight plays a major role in determining fitness, it is important for us to note that the concept of fitness transcends some numbers on a weight scale.
Being fit is more than just a physical measurement, it is a state of mind. It is important to focus on fitness aspects beyond just the weight loss diet.
A good way to set your fitness goals is to follow the acronym ‘SMART’:
- Specific: Make sure to set a defined goal for your fitness plan. State your endgame. This will help you keep going when you feel like giving up.
- Measurable: Always remember to have quantifiable goals. Having a way to measure your progress in real-time helps you keep motivated.
- Attainable: While having a sense of ambition is good, it is also important to make sure that your goals are actually achievable.
- Relevant: Rather than defining your goals based on someone else’s idea of fitness, analyze your own life and find relevant goals that apply to you.
- Time-bound: It is important to convince yourself that your journey will take some time to complete. It is also important to set a deadline for yourself so you don’t lose track.
You don’t have to worry if this acronym hasn’t instantly set off a whole new set of fitness goals inside your brain. We have got you covered. Read on to find out more about five fitness goals that have nothing to do with losing weight, but if these do help you lose weight fast it’s just an added benefit.
1. Fix Your Relationship With Exercise
It is important for you to change your views on exercise. Learn to move your focus from weight loss exercise to stay fit exercises instead. Sure, exercise is supposed to be daunting, but it is also important for you to actually enjoy the process. Ask yourself if you are happy with the approach you have taken for developing your fitness instead of signing up for the first weight loss program you see.
If you feel like traditional forms of exercise such as hitting the gym or going on a run are not for you, explore your goals with alternative forms of exercise such as cycling, bouldering or rock-climbing. You can also try stretching floor exercises or power yoga instead of the random set of home exercises to lose weight that lead nowhere.
2. Drink More Water
When you focus on weight loss you are likely to try an array of weight loss drinks to shed the flab. However, what is most ignored in the bargain is your water intake. To stay fit and healthy, drink more water rather than any other drink. While it may seem like a fairly easy thing to do, most of us barely manage to drink the recommended amount of water every day.
Setting a goal for your daily water intake and sticking to it can help develop a sense of discipline as part of your regime. Consuming at least two litres of water a day can be beneficial for several functions such as boosting metabolism, regulating proper blood flow, and maintaining cognitive health.
3 Make It A Point To Move
A lot of us often stay fixed to our desks and fail to move around. This has been linked to the development of several health complications such as developing heart disease, decreased functioning of our brain, and a reduced flow of blood through the body. This is why it is important for you to make it a point to move around at least a couple of times a day. Now, this does not necessarily mean that you have to hit the gym or get in a quick cardio workout. You can also move around by taking a break from your work and going for a small walkout in the open.
4 Workout For Fun
Every now and then, sign up for a workout that has nothing to do with your fitness goals. It can be something completely unrelated to your everyday routine. Take a ballet lesson, sign up for a Zumba class, play some laser tag. You won’t necessarily burn the same amount of calories as you normally do, but it will definitely help you look at your fitness goals with a fresh perspective.
5 Do It For A Cause
Often, various institutions organize events where you have to run or do cycling for weight loss in order to raise awareness about a particular health disease or to raise money for a charity. Participating in these events is definitely a win-win situation as it can help you redefine your relationship with exercise and have a social impact on something that you are passionate about at the same time.
Even though such activities are not oriented to help you lose weight, they leave you with an elevated mood and feeling confident about yourself. So look beyond weight loss and indulge in fitness.
