Eight fitness goals that don't have nothing to do with what you weigh

The fitness industry tends to be unhealthily focused on weight, and there are so many other possible indicators of health, as well as fitness goals. I’d like to offer you alternatives to weight loss or gain goals.

Not all of these goals are not possible for all people, for a number of reasons. Please use these as possibilities and set goals that feel good to you.

1) Try to do five new things a year.

Salsa photo by stevendepelo

Rent a canoe, take a yoga class — do things you’ve never tried before to keep active. Did you know that social dances, like salsa nights, often have free classes beforehand? It’s a great way to try out something new without committed to an expensive class.

2) Improve your overall mood.

"The link between exercise and mood is pretty strong," said Dr. Michael Otto in an article for the American Psychological Association. "Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise you get a mood-enhancement effect." 

3) Better sleep and more energy

 According to the Sleep Foundation, if you do 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a week will improve your sleep quality, as well as keep you more awake and focused during the day. Make consistency your workout goal, and track the quality of your sleep. If you struggle with sleep and focus, you can even try different workouts to see which has a more positive impact on these issues.

4) Better stats!

Lower cholesterol, blood sugar level, lower resting heart rate — basically everything will improve with a fitness routine. Check in with your physician about where you're at and what could be improved, and then make that one of your fitness goals.

5) Better balance and flexibility

Both of these naturally decrease with age. Incorporating exercises in to increase your flexibility and balance can prevent injuries. Also, who doesn't want to be more flexible ... in bed? Had to go there.

6) Goals based on your workout

Lift heavier weights, last longer on a machine, move to the advanced position in an exercise class, make more shots — if you find what you love, you can easily find goals based on that activity. Set goals that feel difficult, but achievable to keep you motivated.

7) Improved sex drive and arousal

Studies have shown that short-duration exercise can enhance sexual arousal, more orgasms, and other sexual benefits. I'm not sure about making this a fitness goal, per se — but you can definitely use it as motivation to get to the gym more often, right?

Photo by amslerpix

8) Improved pain tolerance.

In one study, researchers found that people who exercised consistently developed a higher pain tolerance. This could be good news for those who deal with chronic pain.