Goal-Oriented Fitness

How do you create a goal for fitness?  A simple question, but often we are not sure how specific our ambition in exercise should really be.  If you have never created a goal for your workouts, there is no time like the present to start!  A goal is the best way to define for yourself where you currently are in your level of fitness, and where you want to be.  It also assumes that you have a measurable way to achieve this objective.  So it is not enough to stop at creating your goal, you must also create a path to get there, and equally important, a way to reward yourself when you reach it.  This is great incentive to finish what you start, and then continue to create new goals when you reach your old ones.  Here are some thoughts to help you get started.

 Create an overall goal.  This goal should be realistic, measurable, and comprehensive.  This goal should not be arbitrary, but based on your present level of fitness, and what you would like it to be in the future.  In order to create realistic goals, this may include consulting your family physician, a personal trainer, or a nutritionist.  Consulting professionals helps you set reasonable goals for yourself based on your particular health and exercise history.  If you have health related issues (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.) it is especially important to speak with some who is knowledgeable about applying exercise prescription in those situations in order to receive the best and safest results.


Creating a process helps you reach your overall goal.  Create a step-by-step process to get to your final goal.  Consulting a health practitioner can help you do this, especially if you are unfamiliar with exercise prescription in relation to your goals.

 
Create a reward for yourself when you reach your overall goal.  Incentive is everything!  It helps in this step if you pick a reward that is non-food or exercise related.


Write down your overall goals, intentions, and reward.  This helps keep you accountable; take time to review your goals everyday to stay motivated!

 
 Once you’ve reached your overall goal, create a new one.  New goals keep exercise fresh and keep you from getting into a rut.