What is the purpose of goal-setting in physical fitness?

The purpose of goal-setting in physical fitness is to provide a clear focus and motivation. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals helps individuals outline what they want to achieve and create a structured plan to get there. It fosters a sense of direction, making it easier to track progress and maintain motivation over time. When individuals focus on their goals, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed to their fitness journey, ultimately leading to better results.

While making exercise more enjoyable can be a result of achieving fitness goals, it's not the primary purpose of goal-setting. Additionally, aiming to lower body weight quickly or to measure maximum endurance may be associated with specific types of fitness goals but do not encompass the broader motivational and focus-oriented aspects that goal-setting provides in the overall fitness process.