That is why they need to be achievable for you. And one person's journey to achieve a specific goal will be different to someone else.

It doesn't mean two people of varying abilities can't achieve the same goal though.

One person will be able to do 10 push-ups with good technique while someone else's starting point might be being able to do one.

Whatever it is you are aiming for, it needs to be a planned journey.

Ever since seeing Linda Hamilton perform pull-ups in Terminator 2, I've thought it would be some kind of achievement to be able to do that. As it turns out, I'm not alone. Many of my friends have declared 2021 the year they are going to perfect the pull-up.

Nerida Bint, owner and trainer of Lissome women's only gyms in Newcastle and Maitland, describes the pull-up as "possibly the most difficult and challenging bodyweight movement for most women to achieve while at the same time the holy grail".

"What woman doesn't want to have the upper body strength to pull themselves up and over a bar, lift themselves out of a pool, climb over a fence or move your body upwards whenever you might want or need to," she says.

Getting there is the tricky part, but not impossible Nerida says and advises committing to doing the following exercises three times per week with a day or two between.

"The first place to start is with a dead hang," she says. "Aim to build up to a 30-second hang with 60 seconds rest. Repeat six times total.

"If hanging from a bar feels too hard, start by building up your grip and lat strength by deadlifting a barbell. Aim for five sets of five reps increasing weight each round while maintaining form.

"The second step is to start doing negative pull-ups. Start with your chin at bar height - use a box to prop you up - and, using whatever grip feels natural for you, slowly with control, lower your body down. Aim for four to five seconds on the way down. Work up to doing 10 to 15 reps with about 60 seconds rest between reps."

Finally, comes the pull-up.

"Depending on your strength, ability and consistency, after four to six weeks of practising these steps three times per week you might be able to start trying for an unassisted pull-up," Nerida says.

"Start from the dead hang position, with your grip the same distance apart as your shoulder width. You can use overhand or underhand grip, but most women tend to be stronger from the underhand grip. Start to pull yourself up and over the bar. Make sure when you lower yourself back down you do so gently and with control.

"If you are close to getting a pull-up but not quite there, having someone assist you by lifting you from behind while holding you around the waist can help. The trick is to gently give a push in the spot where you are weakest. Could be at the bottom, middle or top. Only give enough assistance to gently help, not so much you aren't pulling yourself up at all."

Nerida says, as with anything, the important part is consistency and commitment.

Send your health and fitness news to r.valentine@austcommunitymedia.com.au.

Renee Valentine is a journalist, qualified personal trainer and mother of three.