As we come close to the end of another year and start to gear up for a new year filled with goals and new year’s resolutions I want you to keep in mind how to make effective and realistic goals. In an age in which there are Biggest Loser contests in which contestants are losing up to 25 lbs a week, fat burning pills that offer fast fat loss, and get rich sales company gimmicks, it’s easy for many to lose touch with how to develop realistic goals for themselves.
Establishing goals are very important to creating a road map for your own fitness challenges and eventual accomplishments. What you want to keep in mind when developing goals is to make them small more short term goals for you to focus on one every couple months. This type of goal setting is much more effective than making lofty, long term goals because than lack of patience can hinder and often stop progression.
When developing your goals you want to keep these 5 rules in mind:
Specific– most be easily understood and unambiguous.
Measurable-must be measurable so there is no question of attainment.
Attainable-the goals must be attainable, not too easy and yet not too difficult.
Relevant-must be relevant to your particular needs and abilities.
Time bound-must have specific dates for completion.
When working with a new San Diego personal training client we always go over goals and goal setting so we are both on the same page while we are working together. Remember a realistic weight loss goal for any individual is 1-2 lbs a week. But don’t get attached to reading your scale because weight fluctuates from day to day and can be discouraging. It’s best to rely on how your clothes fit and your reflection in the mirror to mark progress.
Leave a Reply