My Bad Feminist Fitness Goals

Every year in addition to my blogging, business, and writing goals, I set lofty fitness goals for myself, too. You can’t write the next great American novel if you’re dead, right? And I also believe that when you’re a solopreneur your business can only be as healthy as you are.

Some of my fitness goals I’ve conquered; others — not so much. In 2014 I set out to exercise for at least 30 minutes every single day for 365 days. And I did it! I was even invited to appear on Talk of Alabama to discuss this fantastic fitness feat. Last year, however, I tried to run 1200 miles and failed miserably. Because of my insanely busy schedule, I gave up about half-way through the year.

Regardless of the goal, however, I am quick to say things like “I don’t want to be skinny; I want to be strong” and “It’s not about how my body looks, it’s about how my body feels.” And all that is true — sort of.

I don’t want to be skinny. I do want to be strong. I do want to feel great and healthy. But I also want to be hot. This probably makes me a bad feminist, but I’d rather be a bad feminist than a dishonest one.

So today I’m sharing with you my bad feminist fitness goals for 2016, but will attempt to balance out each one with a goal that focuses on what my body can do and not just how it looks.

By December 31, 2016, I want to be able to declare the following:

I have a six-pack AND I can hold a plank for the duration of my favorite feminist Beyonce song.

I have sculpted arms that don’t flap in the wind while I lecturing about The Awakening or The Yellow Wallpaper or leading a See Jane Write workshop (not feminist enough?). AND I can do 50 consecutive military-style push-ups.

I weigh 145 pounds AND I decided to ignore that stupid BMI chart.

I have glutes gains galore AND I can lift 300 pounds on the leg press machine.

I have sculpted thighs and legs that I flaunt in my short summer dresses AND I can run a half-marathon and not feel like I’m going to die by the time I reach the finish line.

So there you have it — my bad feminist fitness goals. Go on and revoke my National Organization for Women membership. But also let me know if you’d like to work out together this year!

What are you fitness goals for 2016?

Brava! I hope using the feminine form does not make me a bad feminist. It sounds like you are already killing it, so you will continue on to even more greatness for 2016. I applaud you, as usual. You are one of the things that is right about the metro area.

My goals trail yours considerably, but I plan on becoming stronger and more fit. I hope an improvement in appearance will be a secondary benefit, but a benefit nonetheless. We can be more than a one dimensional cut out. We are living, thinking people!

javacia says:

January 7, 2016 at 5:14 am

“Brava! I hope using the feminine form does not make me a bad feminist.” — This made me laugh out loud. And thanks for your kind words. We definitely are more than a one-dimensional cut out. Of course, this post is a bit tongue-in-cheek as I don’t really think that wanting to look good actually makes me a bad feminist, but I’m aware that there are people out there who might think that it does. I applaud your focus on getting stronger and more fit. Here’s to being fit (and fabulous) feminists!

Those are some very achievable goals. I definitely do not want to be skinny but firmed and fine!! Lol!
BMW chart stinks and the scale is a close 2nd. But I’m starting my exercise regime within the next few weeks so I’m inspired to set some definitely goals!