How to set realistic fitness goals you’ll actually achieve

It’s a new year and, if you’re wise, you will stay away from unrealistic fitness goals. This is the view of Pretoria fitness expert Nina Joubert. She is featured on the latest episode of Sisters Without Shame, the popular Health For Mzansi podcast.

Fitness goals: Fitness coach Nina Joubert. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi — Fitness coach Nina Joubert. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Joubert answers a listener who wonders what the real difference between health and fitness is and also how quickly she can get healthy in 2022.

“Fitness is doing an activity and conditioning yourself to be better and adapt to that activity. Health is much more than what meets the eye. It is a holistic concept with mental health and diseases that make up the health concept,” explains Joubert.

Sis, just keep it real

In order to establish goals, first ask what they mean to you, advises Joubert.

Often people who work out have specific diet plans for their fitness journey and Joubert says this is no different for mental health and general health.

“Do not opt for the most expensive if you do not afford it. Set your goals according to your social ranking. Consider the walk you do to get to work and make it form part of your working out routine,” she says.

“Consider adding more nutrient rich foods in your diet rather than depriving yourself of nice and tastier things. It’s okay to have a nice doughnut, but consider adding more nutrients while at it – as long as you are getting the nutrients in.”

The impact of exercise on mental health

There can be both negative and positive impact of exercise on your health. “In my line of work, I can see the negative impact of body building in some men. There is an element of obsession in how they exercise and it’s not ideal.”

A positive impact for many trainers is seeing the confidence boost that comes with fitness. “People feel good that they were able to lift a certain weight and I most often feel proud when I wear some jeans that were not fitting but suddenly fit.

“Moving helps with blood circulation and this helps with your depression and your anxiety, this is a positive impact for your mental health.”

Five quick tips for setting realistic goals for 2022

Make sure you know why you are doing it.
Set realistic timeline to do it.
Be kind to yourself, treat yourself like a kid but also make sure you are aware that discipline is mandatory.
Don’t be afraid of failure.
Do something you can do sustainably.