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| Friday, April 23, 2010 |
| Go For Your Fitness Goals! |
I’m a big fan of having goals in life. Goals are especially helpful in fitness. Whether you are new to working out or have been exercising for years, goals are very important. Having goals can help you stick to your workout and hold on to your enthusiasm for exercising. Without goals you might be tempted to quit altogether. You may even have quit exercising numerous times in the past. The missing ingredient in your fitness plan may have been goals.
First and most importantly, pick a goal that is REALISTIC. With a realistic goal, you actually have hope of achieving it. I have had many clients that come in and tell me that they want to look like Madonna! Madonna’s physique is very hard to obtain. She follows an extremely strict diet and exercise program. I recommend a more reasonable goal. If you are new to exercise and overweight try something a little more achievable such as, “I will lose 10 pounds and my percentage of body fat will decrease in the next two months.” That is a very reasonable and achievable goal for new exercisers. If you’ve been exercising for years maybe you could set a goal to run a half marathon or compete in a triathlon or even just master a form of exercise you don’t normally do such as Pilates. If you have high cholesterol, you can set a goal to lower your total cholesterol 15 points in 2 months. You get the idea. Pick a goal that with a little hard work, you will achieve. You will get a sense of accomplishment that will keep you motivated when you achieve your goals.
It is also important that your goal is specific. Don’t say something like, “I will lose weight before summer.” Make it more specific such as, “I will lose 15 pounds by June 1st.” Also, make your goal measurable. If you set a goal to run a marathon in July, you can measure your progress by being able to run a half marathon by April. You can measure weight loss goals in intervals. If your goal is 15 pounds in 3 months, you should be checking to see that you lost 5 pounds in the first month. Basically, make sure your goals are specific and measurable to make it easier to achieve them.
Write down the steps to achieving your goal. You may want to enlist help with this. If your goal is to lose 10 pounds by June 1st don’t say “I will eat better until then.” I recommend something more specific. Try starting with, “I will replace my unhealthy snacks with fruit and vegetables over the next month.” You can always ask a dietitian for advice on healthy snack ideas. Your second step may be to include more water and less soda in your diet. You can also hire a personal trainer and workout with her twice per week until you reach your goal. If you don’t have money for a trainer, you could also join a gym and make one of your steps attend aerobics class three times per week. Whatever your goal, make sure you understand the steps that will help you reach that goal. Ask for help if you need it.
Next, you always want to set a time frame for your goals. Don’t say “I will lose 10 pounds.” If that is your goal, you have no idea when you will achieve it. If a month goes by and you haven’t lost 10 pounds, you may get frustrated. Rather say “I will lose 10 pounds by June 1st” or “I will be able to run a ½ marathon by July.” Always have a little sense of urgency about your goals. This will help you stick to your routine or your steps towards your goal.
Lastly, be honest with yourself. If you have never weighed 125 pounds don’t choose that as your goal weight. If you hate running and have bad knees, don’t pick a goal to run a marathon. Choose a goal that you are capable of achieving. Don’t be swayed by what other people think is a good goal for you. If you are honest with yourself, set a realistic and achievable goal, follow your steps and set yourself a time frame, you will most likely be able to reach your goal without quitting or getting bored. Set some fitness goals and see how your workout routine and results change.
- Jennifer
If you like this article, check out…
Sensei Talks: Do you know a “Debbie Downer”?
Sensei Talks: How Can I Get Past a Weight Loss Plateau?
Sensei Talks: What’s My Motivation?
Labels: Fitness, Jennifer
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posted by My Sensei @ Friday, April 23, 2010   |
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