Best Laid Plans Fitness

BLP Ep #286: Planning Your 2026 Fitness Goals

January 19, 2026

In today’s episode, I bring in an expect to talk about a very common January phenomenon: fitness goals!

First, I chat about the (forced) evolution of my own fitness goals — it’s been a journey, but I feel like I am in a good place right now.

look at me actually using my Hobonichi Weeks this year!!

And here’s what my CG Iron Series tracking looks like in Apple Notes:

Tracking the weights so that hopefully I can gradually increase over the course of the year and compare round to round!

Then, I interview Meg Olander, personal trainer and certified group fitness coach about how to set fitness goals that are realistic AND effective. Meg has years of experience to draw from, and in the discussion she shares her favorite strategies for success, from planning and prioritizing to avoiding optimization to accountability.

Meg’s podcast- coffee AND weights AND a microphone? Basically my life in a photo.
JK but love this.

You can find more from Meg at her website and her podcast, Redesigning Health & Home – she does offer private virtual training if that’s an option you are looking for!

Meg requested I include this note: This episode is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before starting or changing any exercise program, especially with any health conditions or concerns.

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5 Comments

  • Reply Lisa’s Yarns January 19, 2026 at 12:15 pm

    I listened to most of this driving to and from an OTF class. It was a fun listen! I’m loving having a membership to a place for the first time since before I had kids. It’s motivating to need to make it worth the $$ and I love the classes and look forward to going every time. I am also doing the iron series. I make notes in my planner about each session but not as detailed as you! I will comment is something is extra hard, like the workout they ended with a series of hamstring dips!!

    • Reply Sarah Hart-Unger January 19, 2026 at 1:14 pm

      omg yes those hamstring dips. though even worse for me is TRICEP DIPS! gahhh.

    • Reply Grateful Kae January 19, 2026 at 4:36 pm

      Lisa I love that you LOOK FORWARD to your exercise classes! I feel like that is such a big deal and so many people never get to that point with exercise. Definitely seems like you found the right fit!

  • Reply Keren January 19, 2026 at 2:18 pm

    I enjoyed this episode, Meg has such a sensible and realistic approach to exercise, it is inspiring and motivational while being very doable.

  • Reply Jen January 19, 2026 at 9:54 pm

    I’m loving the fitbod app. It’s only $10/month and it feels very close to the kind of workouts I had programmed by a $$$ personal trainer/health coach using trainerize.

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