| How SMART Are Your Goals? |
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If you ask some people why they work out, their answer might be to “lose some weight,” or ”tone up” or “get stronger.” So, with that said, why not just go
use the rest room, sit in the sauna for eight hours and quit using deodorant? That’s a quick fix to reach the 3 stated goals, right? Well, yes, if you didn’t have a clue as to what most people mean when they state their goals so vaguely. When setting your goals, imagine yourself sitting in Santa’s lap. Ask a child what they want for Christmas and be prepared for a detailed list, not just the word “toys”. Get SMART when deciding your exercise or fitness goals. The first step is to be Specific: reduce my bodyfat to 14%; add 1” to my upper arms and 2” to my chest; reduce my waistline by 8”; drop my blood pressure to 120/80. Next make sure it is Measurable. When your goal is defined in a way that you can track your progress, you will know if you’re heading in the right direction. You will also know when you have reached your destination. Goals relating to physical aspects might be measured by inches, pounds, mm Hg, or percentages and so on. Exercise goals could possibly be gauged in pounds, reps, sets, seconds, minutes, etc. You should also make sure your goals are Attainable. If you set you goals too high, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. If you set them too low, it could take away your motivation and enthusiasm. Attainable goals usually are Realistic, but not always Relevant. If one has goals of reducing their bodyfat by 10% and lowering their blood pressure below 140/90, a max bench press of 350 pounds would not be a relevant component in their list of goals. Finally, make your goals Time-bound. Setting a deadline will reinforce consistency and give you an added incentive. Always write down your goals! You will have something to refer back to if you start to lose enthusiasm. You might post them on the fridge to control unnecessary snacking or on your mirror as a reminder. Don’t be afraid to change your goals as your health and fitness improve. If you are not making progress, you may need to take a closer look at your fitness regimen. If you are unsure about your goals or are having difficulty reaching them then contact me. It may be the difference between failure and success. |
