When it comes to achieving your fitness dreams, most people will set some simple goals, like “I want to lose weight” or ” I want to gain muscles”. But did these goals really help you to achieve where you wanted to be? We’ve all been there, getting caught up in the initial excitement of a new exercise program only to have it fizzle out after a few weeks. Indeed, it’s a familiar story, but it doesn’t have to remain the same. Over time, I’ve learned a lot about the strategic approach to making SMART goals and how they can significantly impact your fitness journey.
1. Specific
The first step in setting SMART fitness goals is being specific about what you want to accomplish. Instead of saying, “I wanna lose weight,” try something like, “I want to lose 10 pounds in three months” or “I want to run a 5k within 30 minutes.” The more specific your goal is, the clearer your path becomes.
2. Measurable
Your goals should be quantifiable. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “getting stronger,” a measurable goal would be “increasing my bench press by 20 pounds in three months.” This way, you can simply measure your progress and know when you’ve reached your target. Measurable goals provide clarity and a clear path forward, keeping you motivated and accountable along your fitness journey.
3. Achievable
Setting an achievable goal ensures that you aren’t setting yourself up for failure. It’s excellent to strive high but be realistic. You should aim for something challenging yet within your capabilities. For instance, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds in one week, that might be unrealistic and unhealthy. Instead, a more achievable goal could be to lose 1-2 pounds per week, which is healthier and more manageable. Start with smaller goals and work your way up.
4. Relevant
Your goals should align with your overall objectives and values. A relevant goal is one that directly contributes to your desired health or fitness results. If your ultimate goal is to improve cardiovascular health, a relevant SMART goal could be to run a certain distance regularly as it directly contributes to your cardiovascular fitness target.
5. Time-Based
It is important to set up a deadline. Without it, achieving the goal might become an endless journey. Having a time frame creates a sense of urgency and accountability. For example, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds, you might make it time-based by specifying, “I will lose 10 pounds within 3 months.” This keeps you motivated and working consistently towards your target.
My SMART Fitness Journey
After I learned about SMART goals, I set a goal to gain some muscle mass. For me, it was all about gaining muscles. I set a SMART goal of being able to squat with a full plate (45 lbs) on each side in 3 months. It wasn’t just a vague desire to gain muscles; it was a concrete goal with a set timeframe.
I divided my goal into smaller, manageable milestones for me to track my progress regularly. For example, ” I will be able to squat 10 lbs more this week.” I also adjusted my workout plan and diet as needed to keep on track. The sense of accomplishment I got with each success was extremely motivating. I no longer waste time on workouts that don’t align with my goals.
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to working smarter, not harder. Setting SMART fitness goals can help you turn your desires into reality, allowing you to smash those targets and become the best version of yourself. So, remember to sweat with purpose the next time you begin on a fitness adventure, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish. Your fitness dreams are within your reach. It’s time to make them SMART!
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