Map Out Your Road To Fitness Success
It's important to have a map to get where you
want to go... isn't it? Well, why should it be any different for you in
getting to your fitness goals? It's not really. A good map can take
you where you want to go, so why not map
Without some thought and a solid plan of action, you'll most likely come up
short on your goals and lose the motivation to continue, leading you down the
path to become another casualty on the fitness highway.
Goal setting maps out your road to fitness success.
Follow these tips to become an effective fitness goal setter and achiever as well.
Do It For Yourself
Your goals will have the most meaning to you if they are just that - yours. Don't get wrapped up in others' expectations of how your life or body should be.
Be Realistic
If your goals are really going to be an encouragement to you, they must be realistic.
Out of reach or far-fetched goals will be a discouragement and put unnecessary
stress on you. Unrealistic goals will assure you of only one thing. "Failure". When things feel like a strain and results are not forthcoming, that sense of difficulty and effort can displace the passion you once had.
No matter how dedicated you are, you won't see the results you think you should be
seeing.
Set goals that you know you can actually achieve with 100% effort on your
part. Once a pattern of achievement has been established, test yourself by setting your sights a little higher.
Be Honest
The more you put into your fitness program, the more you will get out of it. Exercising
the minimum (3 days per week or less) is going to give you a minimal training effect.
Before you set your goals, ask yourself a few questions. How much time can I put into this fitness program? How much
am I willing to change to live this new way of life? Am I willing to dramatically change my eating habits?
How bad do I want to fit into a size 7, 9 etc?.
Now Map Out Your Plan
First, set some short-term goals that are reachable. A goal for the next
month would be considered a short term goal. For example, a good short-term goal
may be to work out 5 days each week- a total of 20 times over the month. Or perhaps you could set a goal to lose
5 pounds over the next month.
Next, set some long-term goals. Look 6 months out and set your
sights high, but keep it attainable. A goal such as losing 25 pounds in the
six months or decreasing your body fat by 5% in the next six months are good long-term goals.
Write A Contract With Yourself
Write down both your short term and long term goals in a journal.
Highlight through completed goals and give yourself a star. A little
corny, but it works. Putting your goals in writing can be a great
motivational tool and a great form of accountability. It's harder to forget your goals if they're
written down.
Keep Track Of Your Progress
Log your measurements, weight, blood pressure, body fat and cholesterol levels
every 8 weeks.
Reward Yourself
Completed all your scheduled workouts this week? Noticed that your skirt
is a little looser around the waist? Reward yourself for the small
accomplishments. Buy a new blouse, get a manicure, a new lipstick or
whatever makes you feel good. This positive self treatment
goes a long way in encouraging you to keep trying. Sometimes the big
picture is a little overwhelming, so it's important to give yourself credit for
the little changes you've made along the way.
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. Improving a bit each day, no matter how tiny that bit is, will take you to your goal! The
essential principles here are gradualism and consistency!
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