The SMART Way to Selecting the Most Appropriate Fitness Plan
Many people would be more likely to exercise if they had a specific aim in mind. They are, however, not always conscious of what is best for them. This is why working for a clear goal will help you stay motivated and give your all throughout workouts, whether you’re new to fitness, returning to fitness, or wanting to improve your fitness level.
While it’s simple to say you’ll run a 5K in three months or lose ten pounds before the holidays, it’s vital to analyze your physical and emotional constraints. Unrealistic goals might lead to dissatisfaction and a desire to stop exercising entirely.
Read on to discover the SMART way (by the American Council on Exercise) to select the most appropriate fitness plan for you.
Specific
It is too unclear to counsel “boost your workouts” or “reduce weight.” Instead, ask yourself questions that will help you achieve a certain goal. Several examples:
- Do you want to enhance your fitness?
- What are your favorite exercises?
- What goals are you currently pursuing through those activities?
- Was this the logical next step in such activities?
- Which of the following fitness levels do you belong to: beginner, moderate, or advanced?
Your responses should bring you to your specified goals.
Measurable
Setting measurable objectives will help you track your progress and stay motivated even when you meet setbacks. For example, you want to drop five pounds or shave off two inches from your waist.
If you decide to increase your walking frequency with the goal of losing two inches in three months, you can keep track of your success by measuring your waistline on a weekly basis. If you want to add a quarter-mile to your run, keep track of your progress each week. If meeting specific metrics causes you stress, you might opt to track your progress depending on your mood.
Attainable
To achieve large-scale life goals like starting a business or relocating abroad, you must first achieve small ones. If you want to run a marathon for fitness, you should first excel at shorter distances in order to prepare for the longer one.
Begin with one of the smaller, more achievable goals (deserving of their own celebration); completing it will inspire you to set another (and another) while keeping the greater objective in mind.
Relevant
Your fitness goal should be something relevant to you that also meets your needs. If you only have a short amount of time to exercise, strive to burn more calories in less time. You may want to incorporate additional functional strength training to make daily tasks easier to do.
Prioritize the health and well-being of your body, schedule, lifestyle, and interests in any situation. Choose workouts and training routines that are suited for your skill level and will help you achieve your goals. The more you appreciate and stick with the journey, the more probable it is that you will like it.
Time-Bound
After deciding on a precise goal that feels both acceptable and realistic, create a timetable for achieving it. This will help you maintain accountability and stay on target.
While it may be tempting to lose 20 pounds in a month or to run a marathon in two weeks, you must choose the most practical and wholesome path. Consult a doctor, personal trainer, or other health or fitness specialist to help you set a realistic goal timetable.
Conclusion
When you’re ready to establish and achieve your fitness goals, keep track of how you feel along the way. Sleep improvement, increased vigor, and reduced stress are all signs of progress. Alternatively, if you are always weary, in pain, or injured, you may be overdoing it and should rest.
Setbacks can feel like a sprained ankle or a less active vacation. Consider the following events to be a delay rather than a complete halt. After, you can simply re-start your journey toward your objective when you are ready. Never give up!
Are you looking for custom fitness programs? The Fit Factor PT can help you achieve your health and fitness results within your desired timeframe. With us, you’ll see the difference. Call us today to learn more!
Chad has been my personal trainer for over 10 years. He is very dedicated and resourceful as a trainer. I would highly recommend Chad. He has kept my body healthy through all these years and in my 50s. Chad is also very accommodating to working with your schedule. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
I love working out with Chad! I have been working out with him for the past year and a half and have had the best results compared with other trainers. Chad’s dedication to his clients, humor, warmth and expertise are a winning combination. I look forward to our sessions and always leave feeling stronger, more flexible and energetic. I highly recommend Chad.
I have been working with Chad (the trainer) for almost three years now and have gone through an amazing transformation! He bonds greatly with his clients and is a very qualified trainer. He tailors workouts to individual clients and has helped me perform better as an equestrian and achieve my physique goals. If you are looking for a great one-on-one trainer, I would highly recommend.
When I started going to the fit factor I went in thinking I had a pretty good knowledge of weight lifting and exercise without having much to improve. I was so wrong! Chad was incredible and really took the time to explain and show proper technique as well as a variety of different exercises that I had never done before. I now have much more confidence in my form and have a really great and well rounded routine. Additionally, Chad catered to my personal goals and really listened to what I wanted to accomplish. I cannot recommend The fit factor and Chad enough!
I have been weight lifting for over five years but have never had dedicated instruction from a trainer. Chad was able to notice where my form was failing and correct it immediately. He also guided me towards effective exercises so that I could keep achieving my goals and moving up. After a couple of months of working with him I was able to see some great results. Chad knows his stuff!
Chad has been great with not only the types of specialized workouts each session but also with checking in after the sessions. He has a real passion for seeing people make big health changes; which makes it fun. Would highly recommend!
I went to Chad looking to get back in shape and lose weight, which had crept up from working long hours. Chad was super patient and non-judgmental. We started at a level where I would see results but not get so sore or so disappointed at what I could not do it. He focused on what I could do if I pushed myself hard and taught me that step/skill building was an integral part of the process. We also talked about nutrition and self-care. As other reviews have mentioned, he cares about his clients beyond the appointment time, and wants them to make positive change to their lives that will stick. I lost 30+ pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. I have been able to maintain this for 2 years. He taught me how to create a sustainable workout plan. Even during the pandemic I was able to maintain my weight and my fitness level thanks for his frequent check-ins and the solid fitness base we created through his work and fitness mentorship. I highly recommend him!
I started with Chad in August 2020, my first semester of college was cancelled and i needed something active to do. At that point I was a small underweight kid looking to gain muscle and gain weight. I went to Chad 3 times a week until late January 2021. Those 5 months were great, I really enjoyed going to chad and it was the highlight of my week and something I would look forward to going to 3 times every week. Throughout this time Chad has perfected my form on workouts and had a great and unique workout for me everytime. I went in weighing 125 pounds at 5’10 and now I weigh 150 pounds after the five months. Not only did Chad give workouts but he also gave me a diet for me to follow so I could maximize my time with him. He really personalizes workouts for each person. Currently i’m in the best shape of my life and am super confident in my body. GO TO FIT-FACTOR!!