In this episode of 20-minute fitness, we discuss how to set effective fitness goals. We explore the SMART goal setting approach. This encompasses making sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. Also, we explore these factors in great depth and you will learn what is really meant by each letter of the acronym.
6 Ways To Smash A Stubborn Plateau
We really hope you enjoy this podcast episode!
Three Things You Will Learn
1.) Being SMART Ain’t That Hard
You know the saying having a specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely is just smart. So how can use the SMART goal setting method specifically for you? In this episode, Charlie talks about how you can tailor this method to suit your next fitness goal.
2.) Attainability, Attainability, Attainability
Like location is to realty, attainability is to goals. It’s a make or break factor. A factor I am sure you know is one of the hardest components of fitness. Hear what Nike Trainer Jason Leobig has to say about keeping your accountability.
3.) The Strategy of Effective Goals
It is not only important to know how to set effective goals but it is equally as important to have strategies in place to help you stay motivated and stick to those goals. We mention a number of different factors that can help you stay on track and work towards your target.
[backtracks_player embed=”https://player.backtracks.fm/shape/20-minute-fitness/m/how-to-set-effective-fitness-goals-20-minute-fitness-031″ show-art-cover=”default” show-comments=”default” show-comment-markers=”default” player-class=”backtracks-player”]Spell It Out S.M.A.R.T.
Specific, what does this mean? It means ensuring that your goals are not ambiguous and making sure that they give you a real direction. Saying that you want to lose weight really sets no plan of action in place, but saying that you want to get down to 12% body fat allows you to track your progress and work towards a specific and quantified number. This will keep you more motivated as you work towards your target.
Make Yourself Accountable
We also talk about how to recognize what a realistic and attainable goal is, for your body. Jason Loebig, a Nike Trainer, tells the publication SELF “While it can be helpful to set big-picture goals in the long-term, you need a more achievable goal on the horizon to keep you on track. You want to start small and see early wins, which encourages long-term consistency,”. From this we can see that it is better to set shorter, milestones as this will help keep your goals more realistic.
Have A Good Strategy
Livestrong recommends referring to the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines on the types and amount of activity a healthy adult should participate in.
It is not only important to know how to set effective goals but it is equally as important to have strategies in place to help you stay motivated and stick to those goals. We mention a number of different factors that can help you stay on track and work towards your target. These include finding your “why”, the specific reason why you want to attain your goal, that goes deeper than a superficial explanation. Regular exercise and keeping fit and healthy can release endorphins that make you feel great and help reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol. Fitting exercise around your schedule is important, I work out at 5:30 to work on my own podcast, Incrementum in the evenings.
