SMART Fitness Goals

SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that help you stay focused and motivated in achieving your goals. Here’s a breakdown of each element:

• Specific:

  A specific goal is focused and well-defined, making it easier to understand and work towards. When setting a specific goal, it’s helpful to answer the following questions: What do I want to accomplish? Why is this goal important? How will I achieve this goal?

• Measurable:

  A measurable goal allows you to track your progress and see how close you are to achieving it. To make a goal measurable, you need to be able to quantify it in some way. For example, “I will run 3 times per week” is a measurable goal because you can count the number of runs you do.

• Attainable:

  An attainable goal is realistic and achievable given your current resources and constraints. It’s important to set goals that challenge you, but they should still be within reach. When determining if a goal is attainable, consider whether you have the necessary skills, resources, and support to achieve it.

• Relevant:

  A relevant goal is aligned with your values and long-term goals, and it’s something that you are willing and able to work towards. When setting a relevant goal, consider whether it is important to you and whether it is the right time to pursue it.

• Time-bound:

  A time-bound goal has a specific deadline, which helps you stay focused and motivated. By setting a deadline, you can create a sense of urgency and ensure that you are making progress towards your goal. When setting a time-bound goal, consider how much time you need to achieve it and what milestones you can set along the way.

Being SMART about your fitness goals

Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Instead of just saying “I want to get fit,” try setting a goal like “I will go to the gym 3 times per week and do a combination of cardio and strength training for at least 30 minutes each session for the next month.” This goal is specific, measurable (you can count the number of gym sessions), attainable (3 times per week is realistic), relevant (it aligns with your fitness goals), and time-bound (the time-frame of one month helps you stay focused).

By setting SMART goals, finding a workout buddy, trying new workouts, celebrating your victories, and being kind to yourself, you can stay motivated and on track with your fitness goals.