Fitness Goals: Why You Need Them (and 6 Tips For Setting Them)
Setting goals is an important step in achieving success. Data from Harvard showed that 3% of Harvard MBAs make ten times as much as the other 97% combined. The 3% that outperforms the rest had clear, written goals and plans to accomplish them.
This may seem obvious, especially when discussing career goals and financial goals, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t set clear fitness goals.
People who don’t set solid fitness goals don’t have clear direction. And people without clear direction usually end up wandering around the gym for an hour doing nothing.
Fitness goals are important for several reasons. They motivate us, hold us accountable, and provide a road map to success. It’s even possible to boost dopamine levels by setting small goals and achieving them. But setting goals that allow for meaningful change takes a bit of time and serious thought.
It’s not enough to say “I want to lose weight” or “I want to look good.” You have to create goals that:
A. You actually want to accomplish.
B. Act as steps to where you want to be.
Below are 6 tips to help you set fitness goals that you’ll actually want to stick with.
Understand Your motivation
When thinking about what your goals are, ask yourself why you want to accomplish them. When you t the time to understand what drives your motivation can uncover issues like, insecurities with your body images, or past trauma. If you think your goal is motivated by unresolved personal traumas, it may be best to consult with a mental health professional.
Be S.M.A.R.T about them
It’s easy to say you want to lose weight. The hard part is actually losing it. The SMART method to goal setting is a framework to help set goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. Using the SMART method to set fitness goals will help you develop an effective program, keep you accountable, and give you the ability to measure your results.
Focus on one goal at a time.
Most of us have more than one thing we want to accomplish and there is nothing wrong with that. But it’s easy to take on too much, which can ultimately lower your chances of accomplishing even one goal.
Consider a professional’s input.
A personal trainer can help you articulate your goals and develop a fitness program that supports those goals. They also take your individual strengths and limitations into account. At Push The Limit, we ask clients about various factors including, current lifestyle, prior fitness history, and nutrition. These questions allow us to better understand your needs to create a program that is perfect for you.
Be flexible
Crushing goals ain’t easy. That’s why it’s important that you allow yourself the flexibility to change your goal as you continue on your fitness journey. You may find that your goal of running 5 miles straight by the end of the month is too lofty. You can’t even run 1 mile without stopping to catch your breath. Instead of giving up on your goal, adjust it a bit. As you become better acquainted with your body and what your capable of, adjust again. But don’t quit. Ever.
Find an accountability partner.
Working out with a partner can help keep you accountable. Ask a friend, family member, or significant other to work out with you. You’ll have more fun and may find that you push yourself even harder. A little friendly competition could be a good thing.
Are you ready to get started on your fitness journey? Don’t wait. Start today. Click the link here to sign up for a free consultation with one of our personal trainers.