For grant proposals, we're taught to present measurable goals. We expect to see an xx% increase / decrease in xx by May xx, 2010. Like that.
Do our fitness goals have to be measurable?
They can be. Weight, waist circumference, body fat percentages -- all measurable. And I do have some goals here. For instance, I think a healthy weight for me is about 133 pounds (I was down to 139 this weekend for the first time in a while - WOOT!).
We can also set time, distance, or repetition goals for certain activities: running a mile in less than 10 minutes, biking 20 miles on the weekend, or taking 10,000 steps in a day.
But what if we're after something more subjective? More touchy-feely, maybe. Twinkle-ding-dong, if you will.
If we can't measure it, how will we know when we get there?
For me, realizing I've reached an immeasurable goal usually sneaks up on me. I'll be going along one day, and then realize I just feel better about myself. I don't wake up in the morning and do a mental scan. It just happens. (And I'm glad I don't do the mental scan, for the same reason I don't use a scale every day -- it's too easy to take a measurement out of context.)
So, I'm taking this opportunity to list a few subjective goals I've reached and a few I hope to attain with greater fitness...
Feeling lighter on my feet (goal met)
Not being shy about my upper arms (been wearing yoga halters for two months now - got your tickets to the gun show?)
Wanting to wear more fitted clothes (see "gun show" above)
Having a sense of physical power (yup)
Being more confident in social situations (not quite)
Valuing my body over food indulgences (am a firm believer in not giving up anything, just being reasonable - getting there)
And you? Do you tend to set measurable goals or subjective ones? Are your measurable goals body-based or activity-based? Or is this whole post too Type A for your chillaxed lifestyle?
[image via Mad Brew Labs]
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Wednesday, August 5, 2009
On Fitness Goals Measurable and Immeasurable
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3 ate pie:
Lord, yes, about the gun show! I never wore v-necks or sleeveless shirts my whole life. Now? Same as you. I love the yoga tanktops and camisoles. Ha!
I have to have measurable goals in anything like losing weight, otherwise I give up too easily. Some of them have to be very attainable, so I see progress quickly, then they contribute to larger ones. But my motivation has to be primarily internal. Just because a piece of paper says I should weigh so much, that's no reason for me to get there. I'm motivated by growing older healthily, being active and able to bike, hike, run around with me soon to be grandchild, etc. And I really want to start biking again. I'd love to take some of those multi-day trips. And go rapids rafting with my kids, etc. Yes, I'd like people to look at me and say -- Wow. I wish I could keep up with her! But mostly it's about quality of life. And cute clothes.
carrielaura - good for you! There are a lot of neat ones out there right now (I've been getting the Champion tops from Target).
Teri - Dave's doing something similar in setting sequential goals - he's able to reach a goal more often + celebrate it before moving on.
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