Ready. Set. GOAL!

Have you set fitness goals for 2018, but are having trouble reaching them? Broad goals without a strategy are less likely to lead to success. We suggest trying the SMART method, used widely in business and wellness circles, to formulate and execute winning results. S.M.A.R.T is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Apply your goals to this template, and you will be on a winning path!

 

For example, if your plan is to increase your activity level 2018, you need to deep-dive to get to the heart of how to make your goal a reality.

Specific. Rather than simply saying, “I’m going to exercise more,” say “I plan to go to the gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday”.

Measurable. When you have something you can track, it’s easier to know if you are on-point. If your goal is to go to the gym MWF, keep track of the days you actually followed through in a fitness app, or on your calendar.

Attainable. If you know you consistently have other commitments on Wednesday nights, then don’t create a goal that says you will be at the gym on those nights. Choosing something that you know you can commit to will help you avoid a road block.

Relevant. Going to the gym is a great place to get in more exercise and is is totally relevant to your goal. However, make sure you have a good plan of what you will do once you get there. Are you there to take a group fitness class? If you plan to work out on the gym floor, you may need to write up a workout plan ahead of time so you can make the best use of your time while you are there.

Time-bound. It’s helpful to Include an end-point in goal setting. Knowing that you have a deadline can motivate you through the select time period. For example, you can set your goal for the hitting the gym M,W & F for the first three months of 2018. Once you hit the end of the timeframe, reevaluate, and set a new goal, adjusting for what you learned in the process.