LET’S BREAK IT DOWN
Personally, I can’t imagine setting forth on a destination without a roadmap or navigation system. It seems just as implausible to set up a fitness routine without clearly defined goals.
We can’t hope to stumble upon better fitness by accident. We must make it happen.
This post will be about how and why we need to set goals to accomplish better fitness – or to be successful in any endeavor.
Specific goals. Fitness goals should be clear and specific. “I want to get in shape” is not a goal. Most people want to get in shape. “I want to lose 10 pounds in the next 3 months” is more specific. There is clarity.
Measurable goals. We can’t check our progress unless our goals are quantifiable. We need something to measure – pounds to lose or gain, bodyfat percentage, what distance we can run or how much we can bench press.
Achievable goals. Goals must be realistic and attainable. Unrealistic or too ambitious goals usually don’t work. For fitness gains, we need to consider the best available time and our current level of fitness.
Relevant goals. Fitness goals should be relevant to our lifestyle and overall well-being. If we dislike running, we may not want to establish a goal of winning a marathon race.
Time-bound goals. We need to set time frames for our goals. We need to adhere to a deadline. “I want to play better golf” does not work as well as “I need to lower my handicap by 6 strokes in the next 4 months”.
Short-term and long -term goals. Short term goals usually take weeks or months to accomplish, while long-term goal may take years. Long-term goals work better if they are broken down into shorter terms.
Track progress. We absolutely need a fitness journal or other tracking device to show us how we are progressing. This provides motivation and also gives us the opportunity to make adjustments if necessary,
Celebrate achievements. We must reward ourselves when we reach a milestone or accomplish a goal. This sustains our motivation. Maybe we could get a massage if we lose 10 pounds.
Adaptability. We may at times need to adjust our goals as circumstances change. We may have set goals too easy or too hard to reach in the prescribed time.
Accountability. We can benefit from sharing our goals with a friend, workout partner or coach. Being accountable to someone will keep us on track. We need a positive thinking partner for encouragement and mutual support.
Consistency. Consistency is absolutely the key to successfully reaching our goals. Injuries happen, motivation may lapse, yet we need to stay on track. Minimal effort has no place in a fitness routine.
TRACKING DEVICES
Here are a few products from Amazon that will make goal setting and achieving much easier and more enjoyable.
As an Amazon associate, I may place their links within my articles and earn commissions by activity on the links. This has no effect on the pricing.
Each link will show images, detailed information, reviews and prices. Also there will be access to similar or complementary choices.
Fitness and nutrition journal. This is for men or women, a food and workout journal, a daily nutrition and personal health planner.
Fitness scale. Measure body weight, body fat, BMI and other fitness metrics.
Smartwatch for men or women. Measure blood pressure, heart rate, sleep. Use as pedometer.
Mini GPS tracking device. Use on luggage, wallets, phones, keys or PETS. This is not for fitness tracking, but I found it under trackers and thought it was a great idea!
FINAL THOUGHTS
We must remember that goal setting is a dynamic process and we may need to refine our goals as we progress. The most important key is to stay consistent. If we focus on our fitness journey and make adaptations as needed, we will be successful.
It’s not difficult and the rewards are plentiful
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below. Or email me, richard@myworkoutathome.com.
Choose a fitness lifestyle. You will never regret that choice!
