SMART Fitness Goals—Newbie’s Guide to a Becoming Fitter
Are you looking to become more physically active and are considering setting a fitness goal? If so, congratulations! Setting a goal can be an excellent way to stay motivated and help you reach your fitness goals. However, it is important to choose a goal that is right for you. In this article, we will provide some tips to help you select a fitness training goal that is achievable and tailored to your needs.
How to Create a SMART Fitness Goal
When creating a fitness goal, it is important to use the SMART approach. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach can help you identify the exact goal you want to achieve and create a plan to help you reach it.
Specific
The first step in creating a SMART goal is to make it specific. Instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” you should be more specific and say, “I want to lose ten pounds in the next three months”. This makes your goal more concrete and easier to focus on.
You can also ask yourself the following questions:
- Which types of exercise are your favorites?
- Do you prefer doing things inside or outside?
- What areas of your physical fitness do you want to focus on enhancing?
- Which of the following best sums up your fitness level: beginner, immediate, or advanced?
Your responses should, ideally, point you in the direction of a specific goal, such as: Given that I like to run, enjoy being outside, and have a good level of fitness, my explicit goal will be to run for 20 minutes longer each day out in the area with all the hills.
Measurable
The second step is to make your goal measurable. It would be best if you decided how to track your progress. This could be through a weight loss tracker, a fitness tracker, or even a simple calendar. This helps you stay motivated and on track.
If you want to lose two inches from your waist after upping your walking frequency for three months, commit to measuring it weekly to monitor your progress. Track your weekly miles as an alternative if you aim to extend your run by a quarter mile.
Nonetheless, not everyone will profit from this strategy; if you are worried about fulfilling certain requirements, you can track your progress based only on how you feel.
Attainable
The third step is to make sure your goal is attainable. While it is important to set ambitious goals, it is also important to ensure they are realistic. You can keep setting new goals while keeping an eye on the bigger ones you are progressively approaching because you’ll feel more confident after completing one of those initial ones.
Be honest with yourself and pick one of those more manageable goals, given your fitness level, if you don’t know where to start.
Relevant
The fourth step is to make sure your goal is relevant. If your goal is to lose weight, ensure your fitness plan is tailored. For instance, if your fitness goal is to lose weight, focus on exercises that will help you burn fat rather than muscle-building exercises.
In any case, think about what will best suit your hobbies, manner of life, schedule, and body. Choose workouts and custom fitness programs that are appropriate for your fitness level and aimed at assisting you in achieving your objectives. You are more likely to enjoy the adventure and remain with it if they are a better fit for you overall.
Time-Bound
The fifth and final step is to make sure your goal is time-bound. Give yourself a timeline to achieve your goal. Set milestones for yourself along the way and reward yourself for each one you achieve. To help you choose a suitable timeline for your goal, speak with a doctor, personal trainer, or other health or fitness specialist.
Conclusion
Now, you’re prepared to choose a fitness objective and begin working toward it, but remember that it’s crucial to pay attention to how you feel as you go. You’re getting more sleep, feeling more invigorated, and experiencing less stress, which indicates that you’re on the right track.
On the other hand, if you notice that you are inflicting recurrent injuries on yourself or becoming sore, you may be pushing yourself too hard and should take a break to reflect. It also helps to find the best custom training program for you.
The Fit Factor is an exclusive personal training facility that can help you reach your fitness objectives through custom fitness programs. Join us today!
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!!