Physical Goals

When it comes to making physical goals, remember: “I’m going to get healthy” isn’t a goal. It’s too vague. And “I’m going to run every day for two hours” when you’re crazy busy and have never run a day in your life isn’t doable.

If you’re going to get healthy, you need to set measurable goals (which we covered in the How to Set and Reach Your Goals section), and they need to be a balance of empowering and realistic. Yeah, it’s work. But it’s worth it.

Here are some great physical goals to inspire you as you make your own.

Move your body.

First up, get moving! We spend way too much time sitting in front of a screen or at a table or over a cup of coffee—and while nothing’s wrong with those activities being peppered into our day, they need to be balanced with movement.

Whether you decide to do yoga three times a week for 30 minutes or lift weights five times a week for 15—set an achievable way to honor movement in your week.

And remember those key words “honor movement.” Exercise shouldn’t be a punishment. It’s about you taking care of yourself!

Check out fitness apps (or videos).

If you like a structured workout but don’t want to pay for a pricey gym membership, you’re still in luck! There are plenty of free fitness apps and online videos—or some with a free trial so you can try before you buy.

Even Instagram is full of free workout posts. You can test out different apps and programs to see what works best for your current lifestyle, workout preferences and athletic abilities. So do it! Test out three to five, then pick one you enjoy and set a goal for how many workouts you want to get in each week. And don’t be afraid to push yourself. That’s how you grow.

Drink more water.

Drink. More. Water. Make this a physical goal you hit every single day. Sodas are expensive and loaded with sugar. You don’t need that junk slowing you down. So, put a number to it: zero sodas during the week and (fill in the blank) ounces of water every day. You got this!

Here’s another goal idea: What if you started drinking that morning cup of joe black? No sugar or cream. You’ll save on the cost of those ingredients, and you’ll stop drinking your calories. That’s another healthy money and lifestyle win-win.

Make your own healthy snacks.

Listen: Food companies know they can charge more by slapping a health food buzzword on the packaging. “Keto-friendly” and “gluten-free” are eye-catching and exciting. Oh, how simple eating healthy will be with these prepackaged items! Right?

Maybe, but think about the cost. What if you made your own healthy snacks to save money? For example, some of those fruit and nut bars are literally two ingredients—like dates and cashews. Buy those items in bulk, pull out your food processor, and go to town making enough for the whole week. Then when you reach in your bottom work drawer for a snack, you’ll have a healthy option at a fraction of the price.

Invest in some home gym equipment.

We’re not suggesting you go buy one of those complicated machines advertised on TV by fitness spokespeople like Chuck Norris. Instead, buy a sturdy yoga mat (which is great for all kinds of exercise) and some weights. Find used equipment super cheap from people who gave up or moved on to the next big thing in fitness.

Don’t go crazy to start. You don’t want a bunch of stuff gathering dust and waiting on your next garage sale. Buy something you’ll actually use—and then set goal and a schedule to actually use it!

Meal plan.

Eating healthy is possible, even on a budget, even with inflation. You just have to be intentional. And one way to be intentional is to meal plan. We mentioned it earlier under Family Goals, but it fits here too.

Meal Planning is deciding up front—and on purpose—what you’ll eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the week. Plan out all those healthy meals (and snacks!) and make a list of ingredients you need. Then stick to the grocery list, even when the bulk candy aisle is calling your name.

(P.S. If you want a little candy treat, grab a $1 box. Avoid. Bulk. Candy.)

Pro tip: Check out the Rachel Cruze Meal Planner & Grocery Saving Guide to get all our best tips and tricks on this!

Find an accountability partner.

There’s no shame in asking someone to help you keep your eye on the goal. Just the opposite—there’s incredible strength in asking for accountability. And an accountability partner costs you nothing. The only risks include tighter friendships and a higher likelihood of success. And those are risks we’re ready to take!

The best accountability partners are on the front lines with you. Find someone working toward a similar goal. You can vent your frustrations and share your wins together. You aren’t alone. So, don’t go it alone.

In the end, make healthy health goals.

Losing weight on its own shouldn’t be your number one priority in life. You’re more than a number on the scale. Getting stronger, feeling well, and moving more—these are part of the bigger picture of healthy health goals!

It’s all about shifting your mindset. Dr. John Delony explains it well. He says when you set health goals, you should start by asking, “What kind of person do I want to become?” Then you can come up with an answer like this: "I want to be a strong mom for my family." And that means you’ll put good food in your body, get the rest you need, go on walks with your kids, etc.

So remember: Take care of yourself. Show yourself grace. And be kind, to you. 

Budget for your health.

The dumbbells, the smoothie ingredients, the yoga mat, or the gym membership (if you need that social space)—put it all in the budget! That’s how you hit your physical goals without blowing your financial goals!