We have a strange relationship with fitness. On one hand, most people agree that exercise is “good” for us—good for our health, good for our longevity, good for our ability to move through the world without pain or restriction. And yet, somehow, that isn’t enough. Training just to train feels… empty. Unjustifiable.
Instead, we convince ourselves we need a reason—a half marathon, a CrossFit competition, a 500-pound deadlift. Some external marker to chase. The irony is, none of these things are actually necessary for fitness. And unless you’re getting paid for your physical performance, they are, at best, hobbies.
Why Do You Train?
Most people are conditioned to believe that exercise should be tied to a goal. The industry itself feeds this idea:
- “Lose 20 pounds in 12 weeks.”
- “Get shredded for summer.”
- “Squat 2x bodyweight.”
- “Complete your first triathlon.”
And sure, these goals can be useful. Structure helps. But here’s the problem—if your fitness journey is always oriented around the next checkbox, what happens when there isn’t one?
More often than not, people stop. They hit their goal, lose their sense of purpose, and the habit dies.
Or worse, they get stuck in an endless loop of chasing new targets—not because they actually care about them, but because they feel like they have to.
But what if we approached training differently? What if we didn’t need a reason beyond the act itself?
Fitness as a Practice, Not a Project
Here’s the truth: You don’t need an event. You don’t need a deadline. You don’t need an external motivator. You just need to show up.
We can break down movement into six basic patterns:
- Squat
- Hinge
- Lunge
- Push
- Pull
- Core
Your training should challenge these patterns in different ways—different loads, different speeds, different contraction types. It should help you build (or maintain) muscle. It should keep your joints moving through their full ranges of motion. Perhaps, we should view it and refer to it as “movement”.
And success? In this context, success is measured by whether or not you do it.
Did you move today? Yes? Then it’s working.
But How About Cardio?
If there’s one thing most people overcomplicate, it’s aerobic work. The truth? It doesn’t need to be fancy. It doesn’t need to be brutal. And it definitely doesn’t need to leave you gasping on the floor.
The fact is, most of us don’t do anything in daily life at an intensity higher than a brisk walk. And that’s fine. Your aerobic system doesn’t require extreme effort to improve—it requires consistency.
- Walk more. Not because it “burns calories,” but because your body was built to move that way.
- Ride a bike, go for a hike, or row at a steady pace—things that elevate your heart rate but let you hold a conversation.
- If you like running, run. If you don’t, don’t. There are plenty of ways to train the aerobic system without pounding the pavement.
- Zone 2 — moderate, sustainable effort—is your best friend for longevity. Not sexy, but effective.
This doesn’t have to be a separate “workout.” It can just be part of how you move through life. The goal isn’t to crush yourself—it’s to accumulate time at an intensity your body can sustain and recover from. Keep it simple. Keep it consistent.
How Do You Stay Focused Without a Goal?
This is where most people struggle. If you’re not chasing a specific outcome, how do you stay engaged? How do you stay motivated?
The answer: Shift your perspective.
1. Understand That Movement Itself is the Reward
The feeling of moving well, of being strong, of carrying your groceries without effort—these things matter. They are the payoff, even if they aren’t as Instagrammable as a new PR.
2. Measure Success Differently
Instead of “Can I deadlift 500?” ask:
- Did I move 3-4x this week?
- Do I feel strong?
- Can I move without pain?
- Do I have energy throughout the day?
If the answer is yes, you’re winning.
3. Embrace the Cycle
Your fitness will have seasons. Some months, you’ll feel dialed in—crushing every workout, feeling unstoppable, maybe hitting some PR’s. Other months, you’ll just be showing up and getting it done.
Both are fine.
You don’t need to be at peak performance 24/7. You just need to keep moving.
4. Recognize That “Fitness” Isn’t an Event—It’s a Lifelong Investment
You don’t brush your teeth because you have a dentist appointment. You brush your teeth so they don’t rot.
You don’t train because you have an event. You train so your body doesn’t fall apart.
Conclusion: Show Up, Move, Continue With Your Day
You don’t need to prove anything. You don’t need a justification. You don’t need a competition to validate your effort.
You just need to move. Because movement is the point. Because fitness for fitness’ sake is enough.
Now get moving!
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