If you’re like most people, you’ve set big fitness goals before only to watch them fizzle out a few weeks later. The truth is, setting goals is easy. Sticking to them? That’s the hard part.

The key to long-term success is creating fitness goals that are realistic, motivating, and easy to maintain. With the right mindset and a clear plan, you can stay consistent and see real progress all year long.

Here are six simple, proven tips for setting realistic fitness goals you’ll actually stick with in 2026:

• Set clear, achievable goals
• Start small and build momentum
• Create a consistent routine
• Support your fitness with healthy habits
• Stay accountable
• Give yourself grace

Let’s dive into each tip so you can start building a fitness plan that works for you.

 

1. Create a specific overall goal.

Start by thinking about what you want to accomplish by the end of the year—not something you expect to do overnight. A solid goal should be guided by the SMART method: keep it specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, maybe your goal is to be able to run a 5k in under an hour by July.

Whatever you decide on, make sure it aligns with the fitness level you want and feel you can achieve. Creating a completely out there goal like being able to run a marathon by next month will only create frustration and cause you to drop your fitness habits.

 

2. Start small and build up.

Once you know what your end goal is, you can create smaller, more manageable goals to help you build up to it. If your goal is to run that 5K, maybe you start by jogging for 10 minutes without stopping. Once that feels easy, aim for 15. These small wins will build momentum and confidence, and before you know it, you’ll be closer to your end goal than you thought possible.

 

3. Build a routine.

Consistency beats intensity every time. Find a way to add your fitness goals into your regular schedule. Maybe you work out in the mornings before your day gets busy, or you prefer a quick sweat session after dinner. Whatever works best for you, make sure you schedule out the time and are intentional about it. The key is to make it part of your routine so it becomes a habit rather than a chore.

 

4. Combine fitness with healthy habits.

Fitness doesn’t stop with physical activity. Supporting your fitness goals with healthy habits like eating nutritious meals, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep will help you feel your best and see results faster.

 

5. Have an accountability partner.

It’s much easier to stick with your fitness goals if you’re not doing it alone. Find an accountability partner who shares similar goals. You can check in with each other, plan workouts together, or celebrate milestones.

If you don’t have a specific person, find a group. Regularly attending group fitness classes or surrounding yourself with other hardworking people at the gym can help you stay on track and feel supported in your journey.

 

6. Go easy on yourself.

Regardless of what your end goal is, give yourself some grace. Life happens, workouts are missed, and there may even be setbacks, but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. No one is asking you to be perfect. The most important thing is to get back up and keep going. Real, lasting change comes from consistency and self-compassion.

Fitness doesn’t need to be complicated. By following these tips for setting realistic fitness goals, you’ll not only reach those goals—you’ll actually enjoy the process.

 

The Lafayette Family YMCA is a community dedicated to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website here.