What is the point of going to the gym? If you can’t answer this question, you need a GOAL! Having guidance saves us from wandering around the gym aimlessly and wasting time. Think about something you want to accomplish. It could be running a marathon, losing 50lbs, doing a pull up, or literally anything you may want to accomplish. Once you decide on that the next step is to make it SMART. A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.
- Specific: rather say “I want to tone up” say I want to build 10lbs of muscle, or instead “I want to lose weight,” try "I want to lose 7% body fat". To have help with specific numbers meet with a trainer for the details!
- Measureable: give yourself a number value to check on your progress. Without a concrete number how you will know you reached your goal?
- Attainable: is your goal to lose 50lbs in 1 month? You would be setting yourself up for failure. Is it to run a marathon in a couple weeks when you’ve never ran before? Again you would setting yourself up for failure.
- Relevant: Is the goal something that really is necessary for your life? Are you trying to fit into those high school jeans you just don’t want to part with? Instead of focusing on how you used to be, take current measurements and make a new goal according to your health and well-being rather than a pair of pants.
- Timely: Did you give yourself a time frame? Having a deadline will help you to stay motivated and accountable!
So set yourself a goal and make some changes! Changes can lead to goals, which in turn lead to progress, which will lead to being healthy, happy and confident! Written By: Kelli Timmersman, Personal Trainer