Fitness
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Goal Setting
Many people want to jump right in and try to make drastic lifestyle changes that are unrealistic in the long-term. Taking a few moments to ask yourself some key questions will set you up for long-lasting success. Asking yourself the following questions will help you succeed.
-Q-
What is my goal?
-A-
Although this may not seem that important, goal setting is one of the most crucial parts of weight management over the lifespan. It will become the foundation of your physical activity and dietary behaviors to guide your success. Having a goal makes it easier to create a purposeful plan of action.
Remember to set Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely (S.M.A.R.T.) goals from the beginning.
Specific: Be precise and detailed in what you want to accomplish (answer who, what, where, when, and why).
– For example, “I want to lose weight” is not a specific goal. If I were to say, “I’d like to lose 5 pounds in 8 weeks,” that is an example of a very specific goal.
Measureable: You must be able to measure your goal so you know if you have achieved it or not.
– For example, “I’d like to lose 5 pounds in 8 weeks” is a measureable goal. It is easy to identify if you lost 5 pounds in 8 weeks.
Attainable: Is the goal you set something you can attain/achieve in your present state?
– For example, if I just had ACL surgery and cannot exercise for 2 months, it may be more difficult to lose 5 pounds in 8 weeks.
Realistic: Are you willing and able to put in the time and effort it will take to reach this goal? Do you believe you can accomplish the set goal?
– For example, if your goal is to lose 20 lbs before spring break which is only two weeks away, this is not a realistic goal.
Timely: When will this goal be completed by? Having a deadline helps keep you motivated and can enhance your adherence.
– For example, if you are attempting to lose 5 lbs in 8 weeks, you have a deadline that can be placed on your calendar.
-Q-
Why do you want to achieve this goal?
-A-
It is important that the goal you set for yourself is meaningful to you. If it is not, or you are striving to achieve it because someone else wants you to, your drive to accomplish the task will not be very powerful. The likelihood you will complete the task and enjoy the weight-loss journey is not very high.
-Q-
What type of physical activity/exercise do you enjoy doing? What can you change about your diet?
-A-
These are extremely important questions to ask. If you do not enjoy the mode of exercise you choose, you are not likely to stick to your training routine. This does not mean that you will be in love with every workout you do, but you should at least find it somewhat fun or feel good afterwards.
– For example, let’s say your goal is to improve your cardiovascular health so you do not get winded and become a sweaty mess walking uphill to class. There are numerous activities you could