Is it that simple? I never bothered
to ask myself these questions when I started my fitness journey towards the end
of 2008. Going to the gym was a way to pass my time. Fortunately, I began to
meet the right people who motivated and encouraged me to set my fitness goals. What
does fitness mean to me?
Looking
good. Everyone has a
certain body image they have in mind. Be realistic about how much you can
achieve within a certain time frame. Give yourself 4-6 weeks with an effective
training program and the right dieting principles. It took me 3 years to
achieve a change I considered significant. There were challenges: studies,
assignments, work commitments, injury and so the list goes on... They hinder
progress, but never stopped me. Even today I give myself yearly goals to
improve on my physique. A sound understanding of muscular anatomy and training
techniques is key.
Getting
stronger. Lifting heavier
weights is certainly a concrete way of measuring improvements in physical strength,
while more repetitions of a given weight reflects endurance. I have developed a
passion in body weight training, which is a good indicator of base strength. So
you can gauge strength/endurance by achieving x amount of chin-ups with the
addition of weights for strengthening. Complex skills such as the muscle up, human
flag, front lever, handstand demand focus, balance and coordination taking
applied strength to the next level. Interesting!
Feeling
confident. Psychology is
crucial on your fitness journey. Improving confidence was a goal for me as I
was the average guy on the block. I never came first or excelled to state or
national level in sporting events. Then I discovered that fitness evolved
around me being the obstacle. There are people in the gym everyday who train
harder and look better than me or you. Get to know them, slowly. Learn from
others’ experience with an open mind. Take in a little advice every day and
make it your own. Overcoming physical weakness, achieving new skills, lifting
heavier and the support gained from my network of friends all
fueled my self-confidence making me the person I am today.
Stress
management. Studies,
work, relationships, boredom, whatever your stressors are, take it out at the
gym! Empty yourself of that negative energy and convert it into positive
feelings when you are done. If channeled in the right direction, you will train
a lot harder. Remember, throwing your weights to the ground is foolish. Do you
smash your computer to the ground or kick your vehicle when you are upset? Seriously, those keep calm quotes are real. Take
care of your gym and it takes care of you!
These are some of the more important goals I aim to achieve through my training. What are your goals?
