One of the most important parts of reaching your health and fitness goal is to know exactly what it is.
No, that doesn't mean you want to be "healthy" or "feel good."
It needs to be something tangible. If a goal is not tangible you are setting yourself up for failure.
So lets ask ourselves, what are we trying to accomplish? Are we trying to look good in a bathing suit? How would you look differently compared to how you look now? Would you be bigger? Smaller? More muscle and less body fat? Be as precise as possible. If you have a performance goal in mind, think of something that you can reach. This may be like running your first marathon, or being able to do 30 push ups in a row.
Do you have a goal in mind? Great!
The next step is to ask ourselves why we have that goal in the first place. This is where you need to dig deep and try to understand why it matters to you. Just like wanting to be "healthy," having the rationale of "because I want to" is again putting yourself at a disadvantage. Find that hot button for yourself, there may have been something that happened in the past that is making you want to pursue that goal. Pain and sorrow is sometimes the best motivation.
So lets see...we have a health and fitness goal...as well as the reasoning to pursue it...whats next?
This may seem like an overwhelming question for most people. One issue many people...myself as well when I first started my fitness journey...is to jump into the deep end and hope for the best. Going from doing absolutely nothing to waking up at 5 in the morning for cardio, then off to the gym again after work at 6, 6 days a week while meal prepping all your food on Sunday is a recipe for disaster. People keep this up for a couple weeks then go order a large pizza and a six pack. PLEASE do not be one of these people! The most important part of any fitness journey is sustainability. If you can not sustain it you can not maintain it...period. Start off gradual, so something you know you can keep up...and slowly build on it every month or so.
Studies show that it takes 66 days to build a habit, and people usually build a habit in replace of another habit.
Create a lifestyle change by building small habitual changes...this will start snowballing into a happier, healthier you. If you have any questions about this feel free to send us a message! Hope this helps!
Want help dialing in a goal that actually sticks?
Free 45-minute consultation at any of our three Orange County studios — Irvine, Orange, or Laguna Hills. We'll help you set a goal, plan the path, and start training.
Book Your Free Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to set a fitness goal if I've never stuck with one?
Make it specific and tangible. Instead of "get healthy," pick something measurable like "30 push-ups in a row" or "drop two pant sizes." Then ask why it matters — clarity on the why is what keeps you training when motivation dips.
How long does it really take to build a fitness habit?
Research suggests around 66 days on average for a behavior to become automatic. That's why we coach clients in Irvine, Orange, and Laguna Hills to start small, keep it sustainable, and stack one habit at a time instead of overhauling everything at once.
Should I go all in with daily workouts right away?
No. Going from zero to two-a-days is the #1 way people burn out. Start with 2–3 sessions a week you can actually keep, then build from there. Consistency beats intensity every time.
Where can I get help setting a realistic fitness goal in Orange County?
Train With Dave has studios in Irvine, Orange, and Laguna Hills. Book a free 45-minute consultation and we'll help you define the goal, set the timeline, and build the plan to get there.
How much does personal training cost in Irvine, Orange, or Laguna Hills?
Train With Dave averages $60 to $80 per session — includes a fully customized workout program, personalized nutrition plan, training app, and direct trainer access between sessions. Exact pricing is customized during your free consultation.
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Train With Dave has helped thousands of Orange County residents achieve their goals — with locations in Irvine, Orange, and Laguna Hills.
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