Setting Fitness Goals

We are almost half way through 2009, how are you doing with your fitness goals? Did you keep your resolutions? No time like the present to reset your goals and kick off your spring and summer fitness program.

Why not start now! Take out a pen or pencil and write down your fitness goals.

It sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Just pick a goal and write it down. What is keeping you? Stop reading, take out a pen or pencil and write down your goal.
Are you still reading? Did you struggle to figure out what to write down? Are you making the process of writing a goal harder than it really is? Do you have the same mental block when it comes to working out? The same resistance we feel when attempting to write goals is the same resistance we must overcome to accomplish fitness goals.

Using SMART goals we can remove the obstacles in our way and measure our success. A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. When we overcome the resistance in our mind and accomplish a great workout, we feel great.

To begin, focus on the feeling of accomplishment and exhilaration you feel at the end of a great workout. Set both long term and working goals. Maybe you want to run a marathon. It would be crazy to walk out the door and run 26.2 miles if you have never run a mile. Start by setting small working goals. I will run 3 miles on Monday and 4 miles on Wednesday this week. Keep track of your progress and take notes of how you feel when you make it through your workout. By documenting your goals and fitness accomplishments you will overcome the same obstacles that keep you off of the trail and cause you to avoid workouts.

Set your direction

1) What do you want to accomplish

2) Why do you want to accomplish this goal?

3) Why is this goal important to you? Community?

Plan your route

1) How much time are you willing to dedicate to your goal?

2) Create a weekly schedule

Set your Destination

1) Is your goal related to a specific event i.e. finish Austin Marathon?

2) List the event

Follow your path

1) Track progress – using planning calendar mark training days, and tasks completed

Reach your destination

1) How do you know you accomplished your goal?

2) Create a positive reward for yourself once you accomplish the goal and then go out and set another Active Goal!