Don’t Chase Perfection- Set These Goals Instead

The Fitness industry can be guilty of deceiving the public when it comes to realistic expectations. Some programs tout fast results, like “abs in 30 days!”. Others use fitness models on their advertisements, leaving our brains to draw the conclusion that this person became ripped from just 90 days of calisthenic training.

But abs aren’t built in 30 days. As a matter of fact, everybody already has abs. They just only “show” when someone has a very low (sometimes unattainable) body fat percentage.

And the models used on these ads have been working out for many years, probably using heavy weights. They likely eat incredibly restrictive diets, and are instructed to drink very little water a few days before their photo shoot, as this makes muscles look more pronounced. These are just two examples of the truth-bending strategies that people use to sell their get-fit-quick schemes.

The Truth Depends on Who’s Asking
These aforementioned practices are precisely why we don’t recommend making fitness goals based on what you’ve seen on Instagram. Every single body is different- which means, that each one has its own unique version of “fit”. Bone structure, for example, will largely determine which areas of your body are more muscularly prominent. And genes have a lot to do with this, too.
Instead of setting unrealistic goals for your body (which isn’t something you have too much control over), set goals for your performance in and outside of the gym.

For example, don’t set a fitness goal of losing all of your arm flab in three months- but see how much heavier you can go with the dumbbells you use for your bicep curls. Maybe this translates to lifting a several hefty bags of groceries from Lemon Street Market up the stairs in one trip.

And don’t aim for a six pack- see how much longer you can hold a plank after 90 days. Then, take note of your posture. Do you walk a little bit taller? Have less back pain? Find that you have more stability when climbing the rock walls at Spooky Nook?

The best fitness goals you can set for yourself still demand hard work and consistency, but don’t attempt predicting the future. They make life easier. They don’t stress you out by demanding impossible results.

Before setting goals for yourself, whether it's in FIT Studio or not, be wary of the unrealistic expectations the fitness industry sets for you. No matter what your goal is, patience and self discipline is a requirement. There is no cheat code for health.

Luckily for us, what we have to gain is more amazing than we can ever imagine.

To start or continue your fitness journey, schedule a free consultation here.