Rethink Your Approach to Fitness Objectives

Most of us have a general idea of what goals are—something we aim to achieve. According to Merriam-Webster, a goal is “the end toward which effort is directed.” That seems straightforward enough, but with social media and internet culture, words like “goals” can take on whole new meanings.

So, what do “goals” mean today? As discussed in an Elle article, in the realm of social media, “goals” often refer to unrealistic ideals that people jokingly aspire to have in their lives. You’ll often see it tagged with hashtags like relationship goals, life goals, or friendship goals.

One area of “goals” gaining traction is “fitness goals.” These often involve sharing professional images of perfect-looking, fit models, which is problematic because they set unrealistic benchmarks. It’s not just about idealized images; many of these models have undergone cosmetic procedures, which means achieving such looks naturally could be impossible.

While cosmetic surgery has become more widespread and accepted, using such images as standard fitness goals can lead to self-doubt. It’s important to appreciate beauty but stay realistic about what’s attainable for your own body. Even images of women who’ve reached their fitness without surgery can be misleading because each body is unique. Following the same diet and exercise routine as someone else won’t guarantee you’ll look the same.

Instead of putting ourselves down with impossible comparisons, we should focus on loving our bodies as they are. Let’s be inspired by others but remain realistic about our own potential. We should encourage ourselves and each other without creating unreachable ideals.

One positive outcome of “fitness goals” is that they’ve fostered more compliments among women. However, it’s important not to downplay your worth when admiring others. Instead of calling someone “fitness goals,” simply praise her beauty and the effort she’s put into her fitness journey. Remember to look in the mirror and give yourself the same kind of appreciation.

Ultimately, let’s strive to be our own “fitness goals.”