We've all probably heard about the importance of setting goals when trying to get or stay active. A recent study by Segar and colleagues showed that the type of goals a woman sets may influence her physical activity participation.

Segar and colleagues found that women most often reported their goals for physical activity to be related to 5 areas: Health Benefits, Weight Loss, Stress Reduction, Sense of Well-being, or Weight Maintenance/Toning. Physical activity participation was highest among the women with Sense of Well-being and Stress Reduction goals and lowest among women with Weight Loss and Health Benefits goals.

What does this mean for you?

Extrinsically motivated goals, such as weight loss, often result in only short-term participation in physical activity and may lead to feelings of decreased self-worth and freedom, and increased pressure. In Fit Minded we emphasize changing our attitudes about physical activity rather than focusing on external changes like weight loss.

Focus on setting goals that are meaningful to you, are intrinsically motivated, and provide you immediate feedback (for example, sense of well-being or enjoyment). Further, participate in activities that you enjoy. By setting meaningful goals and choosing activities that bring you pleasure, you may have fun while pursuing your physical activity goals and can making being active a lifestyle, not a means to an end. Ponder this question: How does physical activity make you feel?

Fit Minded has used these concepts in developing a new and improved goal setting section of the Fit Minded Workbook. Purchase the new workbook to learn more about how you can set goals that will help you stay active for a lifetime. The new workbook will be available in January 2011 and can be purchased on our website.

Reference: Segar, M.L., Eccles, J.S., & Richardson, C.R. (2008). Type of physical activity goal influences participation in healthy midlife women. Women’s Health Issues, 18, 281-91.