If you find yourself making the same NYE resolution year after year and have difficulty sticking with it, you’re not alone! Getting into better shape shouldn’t be a priority just once a year.
These tips will help you set smart goals, hold yourself accountable, and enjoy the process of turning a fitness routine into a lifestyle.
Goal setting is a major part of starting any new journey or process, especially when it comes to fitness. When you set a specific goal and establish a support team to motivate you along the way, you are more likely to put in the time to achieve it and reap in the benefits.
Goal setting should be a continual practice, and you may surprise yourself by what find you are capable of when you set these goals.
Set a SMART Goal!
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Time-Bound
What are Smart Goals?:
Specific:
Setting a specific goal that is clearly defined is important for working toward results. Want to build more lean muscle? Lose body fat? Run a faster 5k? Being specific about your goal helps you stay on track and encourages you to keep on goal setting!
Measurable:
Your goal should be something that is measurable in order to assess progress toward your goal, whether it’s losing pounds or inches, taking time off a run or swim event, or maybe just spending 30 minutes a day exercising.
Attainable:
Set a goal you are confident you can achieve. Your goal should be something that challenges you but is not too extreme.
Realistic:
Set a goal that you can realistically achieve, and be sure to take into consideration any costs, time commitments, or any other barriers you can overcome to achieve it.
Time-bound:
Set a goal you hope to achieve in the near future, such as 6 weeks or a few months. As you find yourself making progress, continue to set small goals that are time-bound. This helps keep your goals within reach and stay motivated throughout the process. We often overestimate what we can accomplish in a year and underestimate what we can accomplish in five years.
NOW — Put it where you can see it:
Write your goal down on a piece of paper and keep it posted somewhere you can see it everyday – on your nightstand, mirror, refrigerator, etc. or set a reminder on your phone that will notify you daily to stay motivated!
Share your goal with a friend, coworker, or family member and ask them to check in with you daily or weekly to hold you accountable! Even better, invite them to join you!
Here are a few more tips you can use throughout your week to stay on track if you find yourself crunched for time or lacking motivation:
Expert Tips!
ONE:
At the beginning of each week, determine when you can set aside time each day to work on your goal, whether it getting some cardio in during your lunch break, hitting the gym after work, stretching for a few minutes at the start and end of your day, etc. Setting aside time and writing it down in a planner or calendar will help you plan the rest of your day around it to make sure you take the time for yourself to get moving. Keeping an exercise log is also helpful and provides a visual to track progress on a daily basis.
TWO:
Set a pair of workout clothes out or have them packed in a gym bag the night before. Also make sure you have an after workout meal handy if you have to rush to work afterwards.
THREE:
Grocery shop accordingly and cook a few meals in bulk to keep in to go containers in the fridge to help you stay on track throughout the week. This will save you some time and money and is an easy alternative to turning to fast food when you feel you’re crunched for time.
Santa Cruz CORE offers services in personal training and nutrition to help you get started on your journey to fitness, health, and happiness.
Our staff is well equipped to help you establish a nutrition and fitness plan, track your progress, and keep you moving all year long!
NEW:
Remote training! Santa Cruz CORE now offers online training sessions using live video with a trainer!
E-mail us for more information