Here we are at the start of the first full week of 2016! It doesn’t seem real to me how quickly time has passed.

I waivered on writing this post since I hate the commercialized push of “getting into shape” and “ditching the holiday weight gain” and “becoming your best self in the new year” we hear year after year.

It’s too much for me. How about avoiding gimmicks, restriction, and self-loathing by focusing on our wellbeing all year long?

Nevertheless, as I got to thinking, there are a few fitness goals I’d like to achieve this year.

None are drastic, but they are reasonable, they are set in positivity rather than disgust with my body, and they push me while allowing me to participate in things I truly enjoy.

So without further ado…I give you my 3 fitness goals for 2016.

1) To do a pull-up again

I don’t think I ever mentioned it on the blog, but sometime last year, I discovered that I could no longer do a pull-up. For a hot minute I was so depressed; I used to do pull-ups like they were nothing!

But then I remembered something: I was 12 years old when I did pull-ups as my coach barked at me to keep going, I hadn’t focused on my upper body in years, and I’d also recently had a baby!

In no way was it realistic for me to do something that’s so tough for many people! However, now that I’m (somewhat) regularly working out and have overcome some of my “gym-timidation,” I’m determined to do a pull-up again.

How will I do this? I will continue with my classes (BodyPump, boot camp, barre, etc.), but I will also do more strength training at home and take advantage of the assisted pull-up machine at the gym. I know I can do this!

2) To workout (in some capacity) at least 3 times a week

Last year, I feel like I wasted so much money on my gym membership (to ease these feelings, I decided that it was like making a donation to the Y’s community outreach!).

This year, even though I am limited on how many evenings I can spend at the gym, I’m determined to squeeze in at least 2 gym workouts and one (or two) at-home ones. I plan to attend Saturday morning classes (BodyPump and boot camp) and one evening class during the week (barre, spinning, etc.). And instead of wasting time in front of the TV in the evenings (one way to relax), I will devote at least 20 minutes to light weights, the elliptical, an outdoor run, or some DVD workouts. I have to prioritize this! Endorphins are my anxiety medication and exercise also helps me relax!

3) To take a couple new (to me) fitness classes

I’ve never taken spin, for example, but as I noted above, it’s something I want to start. While I still have no desire to do Zumba (sorry, Zumba enthusiasts!), I would like to try Pound, the group Insanity classes, and a new, local boutique fitness center—Crew Fitness. I (very briefly) was on the crew team in college, and I love the intense workout an erg provides!

If you noticed, none of these goals are appearance-based. In all honesty, I am happy with my postpartum body and how I look. Pregnancy and childbirth changed a few things, but I’m proud of my body—even the remaining “fluff.”

Still, I’d like to get back to my pre-baby strength, and I think these goals will help me get there.

• Do you have a fitness goal for the new year?
• What are your thoughts on the “holiday rush” to the gym every new year?