Setting SMART Fitness Goals
One of the simplest steps you can take when you
embark on improving your health and wellness is setting your goals. Right?
Actually, creating goals should not be taken lightly. To improve your success
rate with achieving your objectives, you need to create a specific roadmap.
You need to set up SMART goals. They need to be:
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Oriented.
You need to state specifically what you want to
accomplish. The goal should be very easy to measure. There should be no question
at all whether or not it has been reached. It should be something you can truly
obtain, not just an unrealistic dream. It should be relevant to your needs. You
should include a deadline.
So, the clichés of simply wanting to “drop some
pounds”, “fit back into your jeans” or “get bigger biceps”, don’t fit into the
SMART model. Reworking these vague goals, though, will help you get and stay on
the road to better fitness.
The first example is losing some weight. Here is
the reworked SMART goal:
. Specific: Lose 15 pounds.
. Measurable: Weigh yourself now and
again when your deadline has arrived.
. Attainable: Consider whether it is
realistic for your body to lose 15 pounds or are you already at a healthy
weight.
. Relevant: Will losing the 15 pounds
truly be beneficial to your life?
. Time-Oriented: Determine an actual
date when you should achieve the weight loss.
The next example is getting back into your
jeans. Here is the reworked SMART goal:
. Specific: Lose 5 inches from my
waist.
. Measurable: You can track your
waist measurement with a simple tape measure.
. Attainable: If losing 5 inches will
put you at a waist size that only supermodels have, then it may not be realistic
for you.
. Relevant: Is losing those inches and
fitting into a pair of jeans something that will positively change your life?
. Time-Oriented: Choose the date for
when your goal should be met.
The final example is increasing your bicep size.
Here is the reworked SMART goal:
Specific: Increase your overall lean body
percentage to: 83%.
Measurable: Lean body mass versus fat can be
measured through various means but may require the assistance of a trainer or a
clinic.
Attainable: Ensure that you are not seeking a
lean body percentage that will lower your body fat too far which can have
negative effects.
Relevant: Will it improve your health and
overall quality of life.
About the Author:
Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer
specializing in Internet-based fitness programs. She founded Workouts For You,
which provides affordable online exercise programs that are custom designed for
each individual. Visit:
http://www.workoutsforyou.com for free fitness tips and a sample workout
program. Fitness professionals, learn how to support your clients online, visit:
http://www.trainerforce.com
