When you walk in the gym, do you expect to achieve all of your fitness goals by the end of the workout? How about by the end of the week's workouts?
Come on now! Of course these ideas are not possible! I didn't start my workouts with being able to do 5 pull-ups, and I don't expect to achieve them at the end unless I already have 4 and am close to that 5th one.
Too often, we have lofty fitness goals that are excellent goals to work toward, but that time aspect can be the difference between conceivable and inconceivable! Other items also factor into play, like nutrition, sleep, and accessory work on days you aren't in the gym.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when creating fitness goals for yourself:
1. What are you able to do now? Having a baseline of where you are is just as important as knowing where you want to go. If I don't know how may of one thing I have now, setting something realistic will be difficult.
2. What sort of exercise cycle are you focusing on right now? If you are participating in cardio heavy workouts, setting a goal of lifting heavy weights wouldn't make much sense and vice versa. Set goals within the parameters of what you are working on and how long you plan to work on that type of exercise.
3. What is the time table you have for that goal and what is your plan to achieve it? If you are focusing on lifting weights for the next few weeks, set a goal to achieve within that timetable. Having a roadmap to guide you along your way will make those goals look achievable!
If you are completely unsure of what type of goals to set besides the, "I want to feel better, have more energy, and fit in my clothes better", chat with your trainer on setting some specific workout goals.
Having small, focused goals to work toward will keep your eye on the ball, energized for each workout, and measuring your success on a regular basis. This will keep you accountable toward your goals, keep you going when you are tired/stressed/etc., and have you completing more activities at home and on the weekend!
As one of our AXIS Coaches how we can help you make some fun goals, short goals, and some audacious goals!