It sounds like it should be a simple matter. But, more and more people begin a fitness program without having any measurable goals in mind. Without planning your fitness goals before beginning, your fitness program is a lot like heading out for a trip in an unfamiliar area without knowing how to get there and -- even worse -- not having a road map.
Your fitness goals should be established first, then you'll have a better idea of how to achieve them. If your goal is weight loss, not only do you need to define that, but more importantly, write it down. How much weight do you want to lose? How quickly do you hope to lose the weight? Remember that safe and permanent weight loss, which is where people have proven to keep the weight off and not simply put it back on in a short period of time, is one to two pounds per week.
If your goal is strength training or building endurance, write it down and plan how you are going to measure your progress to achieve those goals.
Are Your Goals S.M.A.R.T.?
A S.M.A.R.T. goal is one that is: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Whatever your plan, it must pass all five parts of the S.M.A.R.T. goal test. "I want to lose 20 pounds." Is that specific? Yes. Is it measurable? Yes. Is it attainable? Yes. Is it realistic? Yes. Is it timely? No. You didn't determine the time period that you expect to lose the weight during. If you said, in one month, then yes, it would be timely, but now it fails the realistic test.
Get Real
The goal must also be objective rather than subjective. Think of an objective goal as a stake in the sand. You need to reach a specific point and that point is measurable. You'll know it when you get there.
If you said, "My goal is to get in shape and lose some weight," this is a subjective goal. So, how do you know if you ever achieved this goal? You don't. If today you can only lift a 20-pound dumbbell and you weigh 220 pounds, and after a month, you can lift a 25-pound dumbbell and you weigh 218 pounds, you could say you achieved your goal. Did you? You are apparently stronger, and you are a little lighter. That's what you asked for, isn't it?
But if your goal was to "increase my strength by 75 percent, be able to walk three miles without being winded coming up that long hill near home and drop 30 pounds in four months," that is a S.M.A.R.T. and objective goal.
Now, let's break it down and set smaller goals. What are your targets for the first 30 days, 60 days, etc.? With goals, you're more likely to stick to your program. You'll find that you're now making health and fitness part of your newly-defined lifestyle.
You can motivate yourself to truly change your lifestyle and become younger. Yes, I said younger! It's perfectly fine to grow older, just don't allow yourself to grow old. Set realistic goals. Set the small steps so you can measure your progress, and you will achieve your fitness goals in 2009 and beyond.
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Labels: beginner-fitness, beginner-workout, diet, fitness, fitness-routine, lose-weight, setting-goals, weight, weight loss, weight-loss, workout, workout-routine
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