Setting realistic goals for the next 3 months

Hi everyone! I am just starting out and feeling a bit overwhelmed. I want to set some solid goals for the next 90 days but I don't want to burn out. Is aiming for a 10lb loss and hitting the gym 3 times a week too much or too little for a total beginner?

Cheers for starting this Mike. Personally I think 3 days a week is the "sweet spot" for us beginners. If you try to go every day you'll likely pack it in by week three because your muscles will be in bits.

Welcome to the journey! 10lbs in 3 months is very realistic—that is less than a pound a week. Just watch your diet because you cannot out-train a bad menu even if you're hitting the gym regularly.

I agree with MapleLeafFan. I started last year with similar goals. One thing that helped me was focusing on "non-scale victories" too, like being able to walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded.

Thanks Sarah! That is a good point about the stairs. It is freezing here in Chicago so I have been stuck indoors a lot and notice I get tired just doing housework.

Hi Mike! Don't forget to take measurements. Sometimes the weight doesn't move much on the scales but you lose inches off your waist. I'm in the UK and it's grey and rainy here, so the gym is my escape!

Spot on NorthernLass. Mike, are you planning on doing mostly cardio or lifting weights?

I was thinking of a mix? Maybe 20 mins on the treadmill then some of those machine weights. I am a bit intimidated by the barbells and the "big" weights section to be honest.

Standard "gymtimidation" is real man! I am over in BC and when I started I just used the machines for the first month. No shame in that. It builds a foundation.

VancouverDave is right. The machines usually have diagrams on them too which is super helpful when you're a newbie.

What about your diet Mike? Are you tracking calories or just trying to eat "cleaner"?

Honestly MapleLeafFan, I'm just trying to cut back on the takeout and soda for now. Baby steps!

Cutting out fizzy drinks is a massive win. You'll be amazed how much flatter your stomach feels just from that.

Does anyone have a specific 3-month plan they recommend? I'm looking at a 5x5 routine but might be too much for a complete starter?

5x5 is great but can be brutal on the joints if your form isn't perfect. Maybe try a basic full-body circuit first?

A circuit sounds less scary. I just want to be able to stick with it until May. If I can do 12 weeks straight, I'll be happy.

Consistency over intensity! That is my motto for 2026.

Exactly. Mike, why don't you commit to the 3 days a week and check back in here every Sunday? Having a bit of accountability helps a ton.

I love that idea. I'll post my progress this weekend. Thanks for all the support guys, feeling much more motivated now.

Good luck Mike! You've got this. Can't wait to hear how your first week goes.