How to Set SMART Fitness Goals

Whether you want to lose 20 pounds or lift 200, goal setting can help you achieve your desired result.

The best way to be successful and meet your fitness goal is to have a strategy. A tried and true way to set goals is the S.M.A.R.T. way.

In this article, we look at how you can set S.M.A.R.T. fitness goals for the best results. S.M.A.R.T. goals have been around a long time. You’ll find them in business, marketing and even fitness. Why? Because they work.

What is a S.M.A.R.T. Goal?

The term stands for goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. When you create goals that fit these characteristics, you have a better chance of meeting your end goal.

S.M.A.R.T. goals keep you on track and provide you with a road map that’s easily manageable. S.M.A.R.T. goals help you with consistency and determination.

Now, let’s break down those definitions.

Goals are Specific

“I want to lose weight,” is not classified as a S.M.A.R.T. goal because it’s much to general.

You can turn it into a S.M.A.R.T. goal by changing it to this: “I want to lose 10 pounds in four months.”

Consider another example: “I want to run my first 5K in three months,” is much better than, “I want to run a 5K.”

You’ve turned the common goal into one that is much more specific.

S.M.A.R.T. goals are precise and stated very specifically.

Goals are Measurable

Your goal must be measurable for it to be a S.M.A.R.T. goal. This is why “I want to lose weight,” doesn’t work. It’s not measurable.

It’s measurable when you add a number. “I want to lose 10 pounds in four months,” is measurable. You can actually determine if you’ve met your goal and experience a feeling of success.

Goals are Achievable

One of the biggest mistakes goal-setters make is setting a goal that is unrealistic and unattainable.

While you can set your bar high, you do want to be realistic. If you want to lift 200 pounds in one month, and you’ve never lifted a weight before, that’s not realistic.

Your goals can be challenging, but they need to be something you can attain.

You also want to be careful not to set a goal that is too easy because that isn’t very motivating.

If you’re unsure how high to set your goal, it’s a good idea to talk to your physical trainer as he/she is uniquely qualified to help you with your S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Goals are Relevant

What’s important to you right now?

Your S.M.A.R.T. goal needs to be relevant to you. It should be something you care about pursuing, not something that someone else wants you to do.

Examine your goal and make sure that you find it motivating an important to you.

Goals are Time-Bound

Finally, set a goal that has a specific time frame for completion.

This is an important part of deciding if you have achieved your goal. It also increases the likelihood that you’ll accomplish your goals because you are bound by a time frame.

For example, “I will lose 10 pounds in four months,” or “I want to run a marathon eight months from today,” are time bound goals.

A clicking tock keeps you on track and on schedule. Always set an end point when making your goals.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve decided it’s time to make a change, and you’re more than willing to give it a shot, set some S.M.A.R.T. goals for yourself.

We’ll leave you with a few examples of some great S.M.A.R.T goals. It also helps to share your goal with someone, so they can celebrate or cheer you on if you start to struggle.

If you need help, be sure to ask – we’re here for you!

Here are some examples:

• I will lose 10 pounds in four months.
• I will drink water instead of soda every day this week.
• I will exercise for 30 minutes five days this week.
• I will lift 100 pounds at the end of six months.
• I will run a 5K six months from today.
• I will bring my lunch to work four days this week.
• I will work out with my trainer three days each week for one month.

Change your way of thinking and try something new. Follow the S.M.A.R.T. guidelines, and you just might be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Become a better you by doing it the S.M.A.R.T. way!

Ready to get started? Contact us today!