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Fitness 31st, Oct 2024 | 4:43 PM

3 Empowering Fitness Goals and How to Reach Them

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In the journey toward optimal health and fitness, women often encounter unique challenges and aspirations. This blog focuses on addressing common fitness goals and provides actionable steps to help you reach them.

Whether it’s eating healthier, building defined muscle mass, or striving for those elusive abs, the road to success can seem daunting. But fear not! With a blend of personalized care, realistic goals, and emotional support, achieving your fitness objectives is not only possible but sustainable. In this post, you are going to discover actionable steps you can take to achieve any of your fitness goals in a sustainable and fun way.

Goal #1: Eating Healthier

One of the most common goals for women is to eat healthier. The trick? Keep things simple. Focusing on meal portioning ensures you’re getting the right balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins throughout the day. This method helps prevent overeating or under-eating, making it easier to stay on track without the hassle of counting calories. Aim for three balanced meals a day, complemented by one or two nutritious snacks.

Portioning Your Plate

Protein (¼ of your plate): Aim for 20-30g per serving. Great sources include eggs, poultry, salmon, lean ground beef, beans, lentils, and chickpeas. While protein bars and powders can be convenient, they should not be your primary source due to lower absorption rates compared to whole foods.

Veggies/Fruits (½ of your plate): Incorporating a variety of 5-6 different fruits and vegetables daily ensures you get the necessary dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This not only aids digestion but also enhances energy levels and cognitive function.

Complex Carbs (¼ of your plate): Unlike simple carbs, complex carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and brown rice stabilize glucose levels, providing sustained energy and supporting brain function.

Pairing Nutrition with Activity

Match this eating habit with 2-3 strength training sessions per week, daily walking, and 1-2 rest days. This balanced approach ensures you’ll start seeing and feeling results within 2-3 months. If this seems overwhelming, consider working with a fitness and nutrition coach like Emma Jane to build a personalized nutrition and exercise plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals.

Practical Tips for Eating Healthier

Start with Small Changes

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when making dietary changes. Start small by incorporating one new healthy habit each week. For instance, replace sugary snacks with fruit or swap white bread for whole grain. Gradually, these small changes will add up, creating a healthier lifestyle.

Stay Hydrated

Water is essential for overall health and aids in digestion, metabolism, and energy levels. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Carry a water bottle with you to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Mindful Eating

Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Eat slowly, savor each bite, and avoid distractions like television or smartphones during meals. This practice helps prevent overeating and enhances the enjoyment of food.


Goal #2: Building Defined Muscle Mass

A common misconception is that lifting heavy weights will make women bulky. In reality, it takes significantly higher testosterone levels for women to gain large amounts of muscle mass. Lifting heavy is essential to rebuild muscle fibers and achieve a defined look.

If you're new to fitness, it’s best to focus on mastering the five fundamental movements: Squat, Hinge, Push, Pull, and Plank. Developing proper form is crucial before lifting heavy weights to minimize the risk of injury. Many women have weaker cores, so incorporating planks into your routine will help strengthen this critical area.

Getting Started with Strength Training

For the first two months, start with two full-body strength sessions per week. Choose a weight you can lift 8–12 times per set, and perform 2-3 sets of each exercise. This approach allows you to build strength, improve form, and boost confidence without overwhelming your body.

Accountability and Personalized Plans

Random exercises or following online routines won't yield the best results. For a safe and effective workout regimen, consider collaborating with a fitness professional. Emma Jane can help design a routine that builds your foundation, challenges you, and brings you closer to your desired results.

Advanced Tips for Muscle Building

Progressive Overload

To continue building muscle, gradually increase the weight, reps, or sets of your exercises. This principle, known as progressive overload, ensures your muscles are consistently challenged, promoting growth and strength.

Rest and Recovery

Muscles grow during rest, not while working out. Ensure you get adequate rest between workouts and prioritize sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support muscle recovery and overall health.

Nutrition for Muscle Growth

Protein is vital for muscle repair and growth. Incorporate a protein source into every meal and snack. Post-workout, consume a protein-rich snack within 30 minutes to aid muscle recovery. Additionally, ensure you're eating enough calories to support your muscle-building goals.

Goal #3: Achieving Abs

The saying "abs are made in the kitchen" holds a lot of truth. Despite what fitfluencers may claim, no specific exercises or supplements alone will give you abs. Shedding belly fat is essential for visible abs, which requires a significant caloric deficit.

To achieve a caloric deficit, you need to:

Balancing Expectations

It’s important to note that losing the last few pounds of belly fat is challenging due to natural physiological factors. Women are biologically designed to carry belly fat for protective purposes. While it is possible to have abs, achieving them involves strict dietary discipline. Many women find a balanced approach more sustainable and fulfilling, even if it means retaining some belly fat. Remember, online images are often edited and staged. It’s perfectly okay to look like a real human with a real body.

Embracing Your Fitness Journey

Every fitness journey is unique, and the most important aspect is finding what works best for you. Whether your goal is to eat healthier, build muscle, or achieve abs, the key is a combination of proper nutrition, exercise, and realistic, sustainable practices. Emma is here to provide personalized guidance, ensuring you feel empowered, supported, and motivated every step of the way. Embrace your journey with confidence, knowing that with dedication and the right support, you can achieve your fitness goals and enjoy lasting health and wellness.

How To Stay Motivated

Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals is crucial for maintaining motivation. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, to keep your spirits high and stay focused on your journey.

Find a Workout Buddy

Having a workout buddy can significantly enhance your motivation and accountability. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a fitness coach like Emma, having someone to share your journey with can make the process more enjoyable and less daunting.

Track Your Progress

Keeping track of your progress helps you see how far you’ve come and keeps you motivated. Use a journal, app, or take progress photos to document your journey. Seeing tangible results can boost your confidence and commitment to your goals.

I will be posting a new blog on ways you can stay motivated in your fitness journey. Join my community to get notified about my latest blogs as well as other verified fitness tips.

Conclusion

Achieving your fitness goals is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and the right support. But when you focus on personalized care, realistic goals, and emotional support, you can create a sustainable path to health and wellness. The first thing to always remember is that it's not about perfection but progress. Each step you take brings you closer to a healthier, stronger, and more empowered version of yourself. And with Train with Emma Jane’s expertise and your commitment, you can conquer any fitness goal and enjoy the lasting benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

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