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Last updated on December 6th, 2018

Gym Motivation – Goals That Have Nothing To Do With Weight Loss

Far too often our only focus when it comes to our gym motivation and working out, is weight loss. We need to go to the gym, to suffer through our workouts and to give it our all to look good. And yet, that is so far from the truth. Outside of weight loss, there are so many more benefits to being active. Physical activity is still crucial, even when you have your ideal body.

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As much as I hate admitting it, the way we look (or aspire to look) mostly rules our society. It freaking sucks but it’s also true.

We are bombarded with all the things we can do to LOOK better, smaller, prettier. Unfortunately, the fitness industry is one of the biggest culprits. People truly believe that the only purpose of working out is to look better. Oh, how wrong that is!

It’s pretty rare, but it is my absolutely favorite thing when someone contacts me because they have goals outside of weight loss.

While so many people believe that weight loss or looking better naked are the top goals, there is more to life and gym motivation (gasp! What?!)

Way back when I was teeny (before I started this awesome journey to health) I couldn’t fathom working out! I was already small, so why the eff would I hit the gym?? Trust me, I feel yah.

It’s taken me almost ten years but on this lovely journey I have found countless goals that have absolutely NOTHING to do with how I look (though yes, I am vain enough that I like to look a certain way :P)

If you’re struggling to stay consistent with your workouts and have crap gym motivation because you’re not sure what the hell you’re working FOR, below are a few suggestions. Keep an open mind, find something that sounds moderately fun and give it a shot.

Strength Goals

This is first because it’s my all time favorite form of gym motivation. I didn’t realize how much fun being strong could be until I started taking it seriously.

When you focus on getting stronger, a lot of things happen:

• You look better
• You feel better
• Daily tasks become easy
• You become somewhat cocky
• You can help friends move and not be embarrassed

Honestly, there’s a lot of perks but being strong freaking rocks. So, pick your favorite lifts and get to work! See what you can accomplish. If you want to get really freaking strong I suggest aiming for a squat and deadlift with your own bodyweight (I’m 120lbs so I would squat 120lbs on my back).

If that’s out of your element, go a bit lighter. Aim for a certain number of push ups, bodyweight squats etc. just work at getting better. Compete with yourself.

Endurance Goals

I was never a runner until I was pregnant with my first babe. I was so frustrated at not being able to do anything (read about my fit mom struggles here) that I p[promised myself I would run a 5k after baby bear was born.

Except I hated running. HA. This goal was truly the biggest step outside my comfort zone ever. But I pushed, I stay committed and I did actually achieve it.

And guess what, I felt effing awesome about myself!

Whether it’s running or a certain number of repetitions of an exercise, pick an endurance goal and try to smash it!

Master The Bodyweight Basics

It’s no secret that many people are unable to do exercises like basic push ups, chin ups, single leg squats. All of these are basic skills and yet we’ve forgotten how to do them.

So, work at them. 

Bodyweight goals are a great form of gym motivation but they also have the perk of being able to work on them almost anywhere.

Will it take time? Yes. Effort? Yes. But you’ll feel like a badass when you succeed.

Bodyweight goals are impressive don’t overlook them.

Daily Task Goals

Maybe your goal isn’t performance based. Maybe you are working out so that playing with your kids feels better. Or so that you can carry that extra bag of groceries. Or play on a friend’s hockey team without dying.

Don’t overlook that maintaining some sort of workout schedule helps you do the things you love.

Staying Sane

Yes, this is a goal. For a long time, I went to the gym simply because I needed a goddamn outlet and drinking myself into liver failure didn’t seem like the best game plan.

Working out helps alleviate stress and can be an excellent choice when it comes to finding some clarity, moving past frustrations and staying sane. It’s a good choice and pushing yourself, sweating will help you balance out mentally.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a much more positive, optimistic and pleasant person since I’ve started working out.

Don’t forget to pin these non weight loss goals to help with gym motivation!

There are lots of other reasons why you can (and should!) hit the gym even when you’re at an awesome bodyweight. Weight loss, being smaller, looking better isn’t the only reason to stay fit. If you struggle just “maintaining”, pick a new goal, maintain your gym motivation and challenge yourself! It doesn’t have to kill you. Make your workouts fun and do what we were meant to do: enjoy being active. Because the saying is true “if you don’t use it you’ll lose it”

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