Goals in fitness are just as important as they are in other aspects of our lives. We’re taught when we set goals to follow a formula to help us reach them. It’s no different with health goals. You can have all the best intentions in the world, but we all know that the road to Donut World hell is paved with good intentions. If you said you are going to lose 10 lbs before summer that’s a great goal. But what steps are you taking to actually put it into action?
When I make a decision to start a new program or reach a new body fat goal, in my mind, I start thinking in that direction. I then begin to take steps that will lessen my chance of failure and increase my chance of success. Here’s how I personally set things into motion. Preparation is key to getting off on the right foot for me.
1. Decide on a location: I like to do home workouts or workouts outside. I make a decision where I’m going to be doing my workout ahead of time. If I’m going to be using lots of weights then I’ll be in the home gym. Yoga I can do in my living room. If walking/hiking or running is part of it, then I pick a specific route. Maybe you want to do your workouts at a fitness center. Make sure to pick one that you feel comfortable with and is as convenient to get to as possible.
2. Equipment: Pre-plan your equipment needs. Make a decision if you are going to be using free weights or bands. Buy the pull-up bar and push up stands before the workouts begin. Don’t wait until the day you decide to run to realize you need new running shoes. Shin splints are a sure fire way to bring a running goal to a grinding halt. I consider clothing equipment too. Especially if the weather is cold. I have shorts I like to wear to squat and certain tops when I do upper body. Have them ready to go.
3. Schedule: This is a biggie. Picking a time that will be specifically set aside for your workouts is incredibly important. Most people can’t wing it. If you have to workout at a certain time because of work, you possibly will have to make adjustments to the time you wake up or go to bed. I’ve had many people say they can’t get through their workouts because they run out of energy. They ran out energy because they skipped eating to save time. You have to put fuel in the tank about one to two hours before your workout. Create a schedule that includes the time to eat before and after you exercise. Give yourself enough time that you aren’t rushing and just going through the motions to get done.
4. Become accountable: I like to share what my goals are with my husband because I know he won’t let me off the hook and will encourage me to get back on board. If he knows I’m trying to lose some body fat, he’ll give me the eye if I try to indulge. Sometimes it irrates me but I’m so glad that he does it because I know I’ll regret it later if I eat something I shouldn’t. Countless times he’s been a huge part of my success. Seek out someone in your life that will hold you accountable. You will be so thankful for them when you reach your goal even though you might have plotted their demise during the process.
5. Make the goal specific: From experience I’ve learned that making general goals such as ” I want to get healthier ” or ” I need to lose some weight ” doesn’t work. Make it specific as possible. Give yourself a reasonable time limit. If you can only fit three 30 minutes sessions a week in, and make a goal of losing 40 lbs in a month, that’s unrealistic in addition to being unhealthy. You would have to eat near to nothing to accomplish it. Goal setting is whole post in itself. One of my favorite sites for goals and other life goodies is Zen Habits. I find it to be a great source of inspiration and motivation for all kinds of life goals.
Of course your success is not limited to these listed and you might find a variation of these or ones that work better for you. Sit down and make a plan. If you start seeing that you’re not sticking to it, rework the plan and find what went wrong. Remember giving up is NOT part of the plan. Treat your health goals in the same manner as your financial or career goals. They have to be that important.
Have you started a workout plan and didn’t reach the goal? If you were successful, what ways have you found that work for you? Do you put the same importance on your health goals as other goals in your life?
