# What are your fitness goals for 2013? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 1, 2012, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691 "2012-12-01T16:57:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2012, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/41 "2012-12-02T05:13:34Z")
Oh yeah, I want to do a sprint tri sometime next year. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Accident](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Mr.Accident](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Accident)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2012, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/42 "2012-12-02T12:36:17Z")
I want to get down to 180. (Currently around 300 to 315. Not real sure, as my scale is dead.) Get to where I can run at least a 5k, preferably a 10k. Currently able to run about 30 seconds before I start getting chest pains, so I have to ease myself into it. Get back to being able to do 100 sit ups in 2 minutes, and 70 push ups in 2 minutes. Right now can do about 25 of the former, and none of the latter. Get back to doing yoga on a daily basis. For about 2 years I did it daily and didn’t have any joint or back pain. Since I stopped my joints have gone back to swelling up and my back is in horrid shape. Get back to benching at least 200lbs. Would love to hit 350, which was my goal in high school, but I don’t know if my body can handle that. That’s pretty much it for me. ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2012, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/43 "2012-12-02T14:05:36Z")
That’s a very ambitious goal, **Mr. Accident**. I’ll recommend the couch to 5k plan once more for reaching 5k goals, don’t be worried if you have to repeat weeks before moving on to longer runs. It’s important to acclimate your body to the stresses of running more than pushing yourself to finish the program. Do you have a training plan in place to help you achieve your lifting goals? ---
**Author:** ![InsomniaMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ad7895/32.png) [@InsomniaMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InsomniaMama)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2012, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/44 "2012-12-02T14:09:50Z")
Do my second sprint triathlon. Planning on getting together some other people, including newbies, to join me. I want to organize some training runs and biking. It’s all part of my master plan to raise funds for a new playground for our school. While getting some parents motivated to exercise more. Dream no small dreams, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2012, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/45 "2012-12-02T15:37:04Z")
> [@ladyfoxfyre](#): > > Do you do them with a band now? It’s good to practice without as much resistance so you are able to experience the full range of motion. I started on the stiffest band and worked my way up to the more slack bands until no band at all. I am not _quite_ able to do them with a band yet - I admit I slacked off for a while and am back working on them now. I use the assist machine at the gym, and am working on the negatives and the hang. I am at a little under half my body weight for assist. By my birthday (April) I want pull-ups, and a sub-30 5 K 😃 Lots of goals, but I put in the work (and the rest) as needed. I lost about 30 pounds of fat and am working on building muscle and increasing cardio - fitness is the goal, not injury 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![FlyByNight512](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/82dd89/32.png) [@FlyByNight512](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyByNight512)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2012, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/46 "2012-12-02T18:35:06Z")
I have a work/commute schedule that doesn’t leave me much time to work out, so it’s been a struggle to find something that I don’t resent spending time on. I think weight lifting will work, though. My goal is just to stick with it enough to keep my body happy. I’m currently using machines but would like to move to free weights. I’m not sure how to get started with that, especially since I don’t have a spotter and I don’t see the point in lifting anything I can handle easily. I found out last night that I can do pull-ups with less than half my body weight for an assist - for a girl who’s only been lifting regularly for a few weeks, I think that’s pretty good. 😃 > [@Neverender](#): > > Technique wise, Starting Strength (3rd ed.) is a good if very in-depth read, for getting not just the ‘how’ of technique down, but also the ‘why’ however the program might not be ideal for those who want to avoid eating a calorie surplus. > > There’s plenty of good resources for lifting out there on the net, such as 70’s big blog, lift run bang, starting strength forums, fitocracy, Rippetoe’s videos on youtube, Pendlay/MDUSA/California Strength vids on youtube. There’s a lot of good CrossFit vids out there, but equally a lot of terrible ones too - very hit and miss. Thanks for the recommendations, I will check them out. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2012, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/47 "2012-12-02T19:09:27Z")
I’d like to max bench 225. Currently, I can do 1x195, at a bodyweight of 160. If I can get to 225, that would be as much as I ever did, 20 years ago… ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/48 "2012-12-02T19:22:59Z")
My 2013 fitness goals are simple: win the 2013 Wheelchair Nationals Bodybuilding Competition. This year the show is wide-open, with the best competitor taking part this year being the guy who just barely eeked out a victory against me (undeservedly, IMO) in the Flint show a couple months ago. The only factor that may prevent me from competing is my migraine-headache situation. However, I am working with my neurologist in order to tweak my medicines to try to better control them during the intense dieting/training period. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/49 "2012-12-03T04:37:48Z")
I’ve been told that benchpress is not a great way to measure my fitness, but I’d really like to do my bodyweight (245) by the new year. My max is 205, so I’ve got a little way to go. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Neverender](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/848f3c/32.png) [@Neverender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neverender)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/50 "2012-12-03T06:41:38Z")
> [@FlyByNight512](#): > > I’m not sure how to get started with that, especially since I don’t have a spotter and I don’t see the point in lifting anything I can handle easily. You should start out with what you can handle and progressively add weight every time you lift. The only lift you need a spotter on is the bench press, the rest can be safely bailed. For the bench I’d advise benching inside a power cage if possible, with the safety rails set so you can achieve full range of motion in your ‘arched’ bench position but will catch the bar on the rails if your arch collapses, such as when you drop the bar etc. This removes the need for a spotter. ---
**Author:** ![Neverender](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/848f3c/32.png) [@Neverender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neverender)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/51 "2012-12-03T06:44:50Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > I’ve been told that benchpress is not a great way to measure my fitness, but I’d really like to do my bodyweight (245) by the new year. My max is 205, so I’ve got a little way to go. 😃 The bodyweight bench is a great benchmark (heh) for measuring lifting ability, and the ‘fitness’ label can really mean whatever you want it to mean. ---
**Author:** ![Tristan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tristan/32/18058_2.png) [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/52 "2012-12-03T16:21:01Z")
Attempt to take advantage of the rediculously cheap TKD I’m doing once a week now at the Y. Open training at the instructors actual school, 2x a week, at no additional cost. Just have to work it into my already nasty schedule. Try, again, with the C25K. I can’t get past week 3 to save my life. Not due me, but my schedule gets broken every single time. However, with my new job, I’ll actually have freedom on my lunch break. that will help. Get my diet under control. My eating habits are the biggest reason I can’t shake this gut. And I’m weak. I can’t resist picking up snacks when I’m getting gas. ☹ Long term: I need to drop 20-30 points by this time in 2014. This will enable me to skydive (tandem). ---
**Author:** ![The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_wind_of_my_soul)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/53 "2012-12-03T17:34:29Z")
**Ladyfoxfyre** , why would your goal be to run a half marathon if you don’t like running? As for my goal: do a one-armed push-up. ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/54 "2012-12-03T17:39:26Z")
Go to the gym consistently without injuring myself. Everything else is secondary. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/55 "2012-12-03T17:41:58Z")
To paraphrase from Megamind, my plan is to not die. I’m taking things one year at a time at this point. I’ll probably try and hit the gym a bit more this year than last year…I started off pretty well last year but then hurt my back again, so it’s been pretty spotty since around August with me and the gym. ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/56 "2012-12-03T17:46:47Z")
> [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](#): > > **Ladyfoxfyre** , why would your goal be to run a half marathon if you don’t like running? Read closer: I used to hate running, but now I have a new found appreciation and enjoyment of it. It’s a good means for getting back into good cardiovascular shape and losing weight. ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/57 "2012-12-03T21:59:45Z")
I guess it’s “run a marathon” because the other day I signed up for the VT City Marathon. I’m probably also going to do another [Spartan Race.](http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spartanrace.com%2F&ei=byC9ULLhL4Hl0gHguICQBQ&usg=AFQjCNH-FBjMaTAeriYb4tuO78D6lujMdw&sig2=WjQCwmJb7382geFG0zZH5w) That was my goal in 2012, and I did it, though by the skin of my teeth. Took me over seven hours to do the 13 mile course, but I _did_ finish, and I only had to take one sick day off from work to recover. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![emacknight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ec8ea/32.png) [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/58 "2012-12-03T22:56:44Z")
February -\> go under 5 hours for a half Ironman June -\> go under 11 hours for a full Ironman (or as close as I can get weather permitting) November -\> finally qualify for Boston All of that means getting my FTP up over 250 Watts, and my run speed down to 7min/miles. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/59 "2012-12-03T23:28:09Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Is this what you meant? Yes it is. I can eat unhealthily with no trouble at all. > [@ladyfoxfyre](#): > > That’s awesome **amarinth** , I was training for a triathlon in 2010 before a knee injury sidelined me. Running was always my weakness of the 3 events but I am enjoying it this time around more than ever. Good luck! I’m a ridiculously awful cyclist. And I’m working on it, but I’m afraid it just won’t be good enough ever, much less in time for the race. Still, it’s a goal. > [@emacknight](#): > > June -\> go under 11 hours for a full Ironman (or as close as I can get weather permitting) Are you doing Coeur d’Alene? ---
**Author:** ![emacknight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ec8ea/32.png) [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2012, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691/60 "2012-12-04T02:06:42Z")
> [@amarinth](#): > > Are you doing Coeur d’Alene? Nope, it sold out too soon. I’m doing a non-Ironman event instead near my home town. Last year’s winning time was 11:12… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-fitness-goals-for-2013/642691.md?page=4)