17 May Importance of Fitness Goals
Many men and women enter the gym with no plan and no goals in mind, but let me suggest you take a different approach. You could remember the acronym S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) to create goals which are beneficial to every athlete, whether you are new or experienced. You can increase your success by creating both short term and long term goals. Both kinds of goals help you measure your fitness progress incrementally– so you can see your short term changes and then eventually see your long term achievements. Some of the goals people choose may include weight loss, weight (muscle) gain, progressing in strength and endurance, or health goals recommended by a doctor.
Sometimes short term goals are measured in weekly or months, such as losing a pound a week or increasing the weight you lift by the end of the month. Long term goals could be measured at six months, one year, or longer. You could make a projection to achieve overall weight loss or increase your max lift. No matter what you set as goals it is important to track your progress and imagine possible hurdles. Talk to your trainer to help you set the best goal setting strategy. Remember, these goals are for you and will help keep you accountable to yourself for your improved health and fitness.
At times clients benefit from using a reward system for conquering your goals. Short term and long term rewards can be a powerful motivator toward achieving your personal objectives. If you complete a short term goal you might take yourself to a movie as a reward. A long term goal might be buying yourself an improved wardrobe to fit the new body you have built. However, I would suggest NOT using food as a reward. This could damage your goal progress or prompt you to quit altogether. But if you plan your goals and earn them, then rewarding yourself can reinforce the idea that you value yourself. You have created a body that can do new and powerful things. Maybe you deserve a reward!
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