Unlock Your Best Body: 13 Shocking Fitness Goals Experts Say You MUST Set for 2026!

As we look ahead to 2025, the health and fitness community is buzzing with excitement. This year marks a significant shift, with a surge in interest toward building muscle, crossing finish lines, and participating in exercise competitions like **Hyrox**, which is projected to attract between **1.3 to 1.5 million participants** this season. While this enthusiasm is commendable, it’s important to recognize that not everyone is drawn to traditional racing events. Fortunately, there are countless alternative fitness goals you can set that don’t require a race day.

Personally, I've been focused on pushing my limits in the gym. For too long, I believed I couldn't lift heavier weights, often opting for lighter sets due to an ingrained perception of weakness, especially in my upper body. However, I recently discovered the immense benefits of challenging myself to lift heavier, which is crucial for building strength—the primary reason many people begin their fitness journeys. Experimenting with my limits has transformed not just my physique—my arms look stronger than ever—but also my mindset. By honing in on how my body feels during each exercise, I've learned that I'm far more capable than I ever believed. Plus, the added fun and engagement in my workouts have made the whole experience far more rewarding.

Whether your goal is to compete, to build muscle, or simply to enjoy movement, fitness can take any shape you desire. Here are some inspiring goals set by **Women’s Health** editors and fitness experts for 2026:

Creative Fitness Goals for the New Year

Monthly Movement Memories: One meaningful goal highlighted by **Nellie Barnett**, CPT, founder of **NellBells Fitness**, is to create “movement memories.” She suggests committing to a monthly activity with loved ones, such as a walk or stretching session. After losing her aunt, Nellie realized how precious these shared moments can be amid life's challenges. “The memories we make through movement become anchors during seasons of grief, transition, or stress,” she explains.

Specific Workout Cadence: **Katie Mogg**, a beauty editorial assistant at **Women’s Health**, shares her goal of establishing a regular workout schedule—strength training three times a week and engaging in aerobic exercise twice a week. This focus has dramatically improved her stamina, especially after living in a four-story walk-up.

Joy Workouts: **Winnie Yu**, a sports and orthopedic physical therapist, stresses the importance of fun in fitness. She recommends finding a workout class that sparks joy and committing to it at least once a week. This approach is particularly beneficial during the winter months when motivation tends to wane.

Mobility Focus: **Janie Booth**, an associate video producer, has set a goal to prioritize mobility and stretching for at least ten minutes each day. Recognizing her tendency to rush through workouts, she aims to cultivate better habits as she ages.

Mastering Push-Ups and Pull-Ups: **Patricia Greaves**, CPT, emphasizes the empowerment that comes from mastering push-ups, a goal many women shy away from. For her, progressing to unassisted pull-ups not only strengthens the upper body but boosts confidence in the gym. Similarly, **Jocelyn Solis-Moreira**, an associate health and fitness editor, plans to focus on achieving her first unassisted pull-up, which is essential in her circus arts training.

Bodyweight Lifts: **Sarah Warshowsky**, a New York City-based strength and kettlebell coach, highlights the significance of being able to deadlift or squat your bodyweight. This goal serves as a concrete marker of strength and a performance target that can lead to increased muscle and overall fitness.

Training for the Mile: **Kelly Roberts**, a certified run coach, encourages setting a goal to train for the mile. This short distance allows for focused speed work, helping runners build their mental and physical strength while improving pacing skills.

Intentional Workouts: **Marty Munson**, health director of **Men’s Health** and **Women’s Health**, emphasizes the value of setting an intention for every workout. This simple practice can help transform the exercise experience, allowing for more focus and fulfillment.

Positive Body Image through Strength: **Taylor Beebe**, a two-time USA powerlifting national qualifier, encourages women to embrace fitness as a means to take up space rather than shrink themselves. “Being strong and taking up space breeds confidence,” she asserts.

Play Again: **Gabrielle Savary**, CPT, reminds us that fitness should be enjoyable. She suggests setting goals that allow you to engage in playful activities, like running after your kids or joining a recreational league, to rekindle the joy of movement.

One Goal at a Time: **Jessi Perna-Elias**, a barre, Pilates, and dance instructor, advises focusing on one achievable goal at a time. This approach fosters commitment and consistency, essential elements for reaching your fitness aspirations.

Structured Programs: Following a specified fitness program can take the guesswork out of workouts. As **Sarah Warshowsky** mentions, having a clear plan helps ensure progress and builds strength systematically.

Whether you choose to chase after personal records or simply seek joy in movement, the array of goals available is vast. Embrace what resonates with you, and make 2026 your year of fitness and fulfillment.