Goal setting is one of the main reasons why gym users find it easier to work with a personal trainer or fitness coach - it can be hard to know your limits when coming to fitness goals. Setting SMART fitness goals can be very confusing and even overwhelming if you don't know where to begin, and it's simply not as easy as saying you want to run a marathon or get rock-solid abs.
So what is a SMART fitness goal?
SMART goals are the easiest way to make sure your goals are attainable and complement your long-term fitness journey. Whether you're looking to set goals for yourself or you're a personal trainer looking to help a client, ensuring you set SMART fitness goals will mean that you have realistic, achievable goals to work towards. Setting fitness goals not only keeps you motivated but is essential to progress and improve.
You can use the SMART goal template in conjunction with your career, hobbies, or even to push yourself towards a more positive mindset. In this example of a SMART goal, we will be discussing fitness-related goals.
So first off, when we say SMART fitness goals, what do we mean? Well, the SMART acronym stands for:
Specific - Make your fitness goal easy to understand.
A general goal is often too broad, and that makes it unachievable. Be specific, and your goals will be easier to manage. For example, if you're looking to increase the weight that you deadlift, your goal could be "I will deadlift more weight."
Measurable - A goal to "deadlift more" is not enough.
How will you track your progress, and how will you know when you have reached your goal? Making your goal measurable means adding a number. Your goal could be, "I will deadlift 100kg".
Attainable - One step at a time!
It's good to 'shoot for the stars,' but don't be too extreme. Likewise, a goal that is too easy is also not very motivating. If you need help on what's achievable for you, get in touch with a personal trainer or coach. For example, if you have never done a deadlift before then, it's not attainable to try and lift 100kg, first start increasing the weight you're raising by 5kg each week, and eventually, you'll meet your goal.
Relevant - Set goals that are for you only.
Smart goals are designed to take the pressure off while still motivating you, so don't set a goal that someone else is pressuring you to attain. Make sure your plan is relevant to your progress.
Time-bound - Include an end-point.
Knowing that you have a deadline motivates you to get started. Start lifting and increasing the weight day by day. You'll notice yourself gaining muscle, and eventually, you'll be able to reach your goal!
4 Tips For Setting Smart Fitness Goals
Don't set too many goals
Many people fall into the trap of using a new year, new month, new week as a way to overhaul their lifestyle completely. They want to lose weight, bulk up, cut out sugar, workout five times a week, and the list goes on. When you set too many goals, it's impossible to focus on them all; this is why it is so easy for people to fall off the wagon. Instead of scattering your focus among many goals, you should put your full effort into the ones you want to achieve the most.
Make a note of your goals
Another tip on how to set SMART fitness goals is to write them down. Having your goal written down on paper in tangible form makes it permanent. It would be best if you then put this piece of paper in a place where you'll see it, and it reminds you of where you want to be.
Create an action plan
If you want to know how to set SMART fitness goals, then write down an action plan, including your SMART guidelines, a timeline, and the smaller measurable goals within the overall plan. This will not only give you a direction but a plan to follow. Not only that, but it will be motivating to be able to track your progress and tick things off as you go.
Regularly reassess your progress
With any goal, it's essential to keep track of your progress. You may need to be flexible — you may have to revise your ambitions if you encounter a fitness setback. Find a way to track your fitness to see your progress and maintain motivation as you keep working towards your goal. If you like to have regular rewards and reminders, try using a fitness tracker to record workouts and set your daily movement goals.
Conclusion
Being a fitter, stronger, and healthier version of yourself starts by being SMART. Decide what you want to achieve, in what time frame, and set appropriate fitness goals for these factors. It's most important to be consistent with it, and eventually, you'll reap the rewards of your efforts.
Whatever your fitness goal is, you will be more likely to achieve it if you're setting serious SMART goals. Combining your fitness efforts with taking supplements can greatly enhance your results.
Whether you want to be a professional bodybuilder or a marathon runner, you will likely need to take supplements to experience the results you want. With so many types of supplements, it's best that users know the best types to take and how to take them safely. Learn more information about the different types of supplements here.
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