5 Fun Fitness Goals for the New Year
By: Nicole Nichols,
SparkPeople Blogger
12/30/2008 5:00 PM : 196 comments
This time of year, I enjoy reflecting over the past 12 months and thinking about what I'd like to do differently next year. But I'm not the type of person who sets resolutions. I do think goal setting is important and necessary, and that many of the things people strive for come January 1, are worthwhile. But to me, there is something very "serious" about New Year's resolutions that makes them different from other goals.
I liken resolutions to "going on a diet" and goals to "making small, healthy changes I can live with." One is serious, even restrictive and the other is less formal and more of an idea than a rule.
Similarly, I think too many people wait for the New Year when they could just start right now. What's wrong with eating better on January 30 or quitting smoking in November? Sure, you might feel less guilty about eating a plate of holiday cookies when you tell yourself "I'm starting over in January," but really, you're only doing a disservice to yourself in the meantime. Often, "resolution-ers" hype up their goals so much or set so many that they're unable to stick with them for very long. Maybe yours has been different, but that's been my experience at least.
So instead of setting lofty resolutions that I know I'm not going to stick with, I like to think about—even write down—some overall changes or goals that I'd like to strive for each year. And I like some of those changes to actually be FUN!
I don't necessarily do all of them at once or even start them on January 1, but I use it as a guide to keep improving and striving for something better throughout the year. Some are things that I stick with, like my goals of doing real "boy" pushups (instead of modified ones) and running more regularly. I not only mastered the pushups, but I also ran my first 5K last year! Neither of these goals required me to severely change my habits or overhaul my life—they were fun and laid back, and that's why I think I was successful in reaching them.
So whether you set your own resolutions or not, I propose that you add some sort of fun, adventurous or even ambitious fitness goals for 2009. You don't have to call them resolutions, and you don't have to go crazy to reach them. But it can break up the monotony of all the "usual" resolutions that you're aiming for and keep you motivated to stay fit. Here are a few fun fitness goals that you could strive for in 2009:
The point I'm trying to make is that no matter what you call them, goals and resolutions don't have to be all about drudgery. Let's make fitness fun again!
Do you have a fun, silly or adventurous fitness goal for 2009? Share it below!
I liken resolutions to "going on a diet" and goals to "making small, healthy changes I can live with." One is serious, even restrictive and the other is less formal and more of an idea than a rule.
Similarly, I think too many people wait for the New Year when they could just start right now. What's wrong with eating better on January 30 or quitting smoking in November? Sure, you might feel less guilty about eating a plate of holiday cookies when you tell yourself "I'm starting over in January," but really, you're only doing a disservice to yourself in the meantime. Often, "resolution-ers" hype up their goals so much or set so many that they're unable to stick with them for very long. Maybe yours has been different, but that's been my experience at least.
So instead of setting lofty resolutions that I know I'm not going to stick with, I like to think about—even write down—some overall changes or goals that I'd like to strive for each year. And I like some of those changes to actually be FUN!
I don't necessarily do all of them at once or even start them on January 1, but I use it as a guide to keep improving and striving for something better throughout the year. Some are things that I stick with, like my goals of doing real "boy" pushups (instead of modified ones) and running more regularly. I not only mastered the pushups, but I also ran my first 5K last year! Neither of these goals required me to severely change my habits or overhaul my life—they were fun and laid back, and that's why I think I was successful in reaching them.
So whether you set your own resolutions or not, I propose that you add some sort of fun, adventurous or even ambitious fitness goals for 2009. You don't have to call them resolutions, and you don't have to go crazy to reach them. But it can break up the monotony of all the "usual" resolutions that you're aiming for and keep you motivated to stay fit. Here are a few fun fitness goals that you could strive for in 2009:
- Do the splits. I know it seems crazy, but I hear people talk about this all the time! With regular stretching and maybe some yoga, this could be within reach for many adults.
- Do real pushups. This was my goal last year and it was really motivating. Once I reached it, it was a real feeling of accomplishment. Already mastered pushups? Then train for another fitness feat, like pull-ups, the Pilates teaser or a yoga headstand!
- Complete a 5K. Whether you run or walk, there is nothing like the experience of completing a race. Get a free training program!
- Learn a fitness skill. Swimming, karate, self-defense, and boxing are all fun and potentially useful fitness pursuits. Join a class for adults to improve your skills and exercise at the same time.
- Play in a sports league. A goal like playing soccer once a week can really break up your treadmill routine and remind you of years gone by. Find an adult sports league in your area and relive your youth sports dreams while getting exercise at the same time.
The point I'm trying to make is that no matter what you call them, goals and resolutions don't have to be all about drudgery. Let's make fitness fun again!
Do you have a fun, silly or adventurous fitness goal for 2009? Share it below!
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Comments
2. Run a 5k with my family
3. Take a Zumba class
4. Go Rock climbing with my family
5. Work swimming into my cardio routine.
- 1/2/2013 9:28:03 AM
1. smile more
2. not let negative people stay in my life
3. learn a new recipe each month (healthy of course)
4. learn a new skill
5. stretch more
I think these are pretty easy things that I look forward to accomplishing this year!! - 1/5/2011 3:00:44 PM
I also would like to be able to jump rope continuously without getting tangled up, this is a goal I can do with my son- what a great way to spend time and laugh together.
I would like to learn to run at least 1 mile before 2010 is over, and have started adding running intervals in with my walks.
The major accomplishment would be to start training for a 5k walk race, and see it to its completion. I have never done anything like that in my life, but truly enjoy walking. I think it would show just how far I've come in one year. - 4/7/2010 9:30:13 AM
Great suggestions! Thanks - 1/13/2010 10:35:26 AM
Pale - 1/4/2010 7:41:02 AM
I would like to complete a high rope course.
I want to find time in my schedule to at least ski four times this season (the Northeast season might be cut short because of a delayed arrival of our winter and now it is FREEZING!!!!)
I want to erg a 2K consistently under 10 min.
I am haggling over a running goal- I don't love it most days but it makes me a better athlete) - 1/3/2010 1:43:34 PM
I also want to start training to run 5k's. I've never been a runner but as I go toward hitting the 55-year old mark the end of February I want to start. - 1/3/2010 10:21:07 AM
2. Try a rock climbing wall.
3. Run a 5k (vs walking/running one) - 2/10/2009 1:21:16 PM
2) do the splits all 3 ways again
3) do 3 5k's this year - 2/3/2009 9:02:44 AM
Get outside on the trails more!
Enjoy my husband more! - 1/21/2009 2:43:31 PM
1) Eat breakfast every day
2) Do sets of regular push ups (me too Nicole)
3) Do Yoga once per week
4) At home, use it up and wear it out. That means using all of my fitness videos and equipment and not buying anything new!
5) Do 5 chin ups on the jungle gym! - 1/12/2009 10:07:02 AM
I studdied for about 5 years when I was finishing college and starting to work full time. That stopped temporarily when I sprained my back and stopped perminently when I hurt my shoulder at work. My dancing days ended about 17 years ago but I've taken to dancing along while watching 'Shimmy' on FitTV as a way to make my foot stronger (yep - I broke it at work).
Its fun but I have a long way to go before all of the shimmying is on purpose. - 1/6/2009 9:14:48 PM
Also, recycle more, I'm trying to be more green.
I would also like to be able to run a mile with ease.
Walking more often is also on there.
Yay for easy goals! - 1/6/2009 5:39:08 PM
2. Run or jog a mile with ease.
3. Do push ups
4. Take off 60-80 lbs So I will see more improvement and won't have to get adjusted every week or 2.
5. Look decent in my clothes
6. Tighten my flabby arms - 1/5/2009 3:40:46 PM
2. Finish the Peachtree Road Race in under 50mins
3. Apply to Grad School
4. Purchase a Home
5. Make sure that my savings account is a Saving acct and not extra "Spending Money"
6. Make sure that all these goals are kept! - 1/4/2009 6:52:02 PM
2. finish grad school
3. have a healthier lifestyle
4. run a mile with ease - 1/4/2009 6:42:04 PM
2. become healthy physically & financially
3. Get involved with my children's school work more
4. be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend (I'm already great at it)
5. Attend church more and become a better Christian (tithe)
6. Live like Christ.
7. Hit my goal by my birthday, so I can fit into my goal jeans!
- 1/4/2009 3:08:14 PM
1. Do real push-ups
2. Knee raises on captains chair
3. Run a 5k
- 1/4/2009 11:31:05 AM
2.) Learn more Yoga poses
3.) Dance More - 1/3/2009 11:00:06 AM
2.exercise everyday even if its for 10 minutes.
3. get out and spend more family time together, take the kids to the park, walking,or other fun ,free things. - 1/3/2009 10:21:21 AM
2. be happy even though the world looks grim
3.well?? spend more time helpping others - 1/3/2009 9:32:46 AM
And what is ZUMBA anyway? - 1/2/2009 3:48:50 PM
2. Run a 5K
3. Join a softball team
4. Join a competition dance class
5. Get my kids to exercise - 1/2/2009 10:32:59 AM
2) I would like to be able to run on my treadmill. I can do a fast walk right now but even doing that gets me out of breath. (Due to the smoking I am sure.)
I guess that is my main goals for 2009.
Thanks to Sparkpeople I am getting closer to reaching my weight goal all the time. - 1/1/2009 4:38:16 PM
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