When you want to get the most out of your time at the gym, having clear goals is really important. A great way to set these goals is by using something called SMART goals. So, what does SMART stand for? It means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Let’s take a closer look at each part so you can use it in your fitness journey.
Specific: Your goal should be clear. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” make it more specific. For example, say, “I want to lose 10 pounds.” This gives you something to focus on.
Measurable: Your goal should be something you can track. For example, if you want to get stronger with your bench press, say how much you want to improve. You could aim to lift 20 pounds more in three months. That way, you can keep track of your progress every week.
Achievable: While it’s good to have big dreams, your goals need to be realistic. If you are currently lifting 100 pounds, you shouldn’t set your goal to lift 300 pounds right away. Instead, try to lift 120 pounds in a month. That’s a more reasonable goal.
Relevant: Your goals should match your overall fitness plans. For example, if you want to get stronger, setting a goal to run a marathon isn’t very relevant. Make sure your goals help you with your main fitness journey.
Time-bound: Finally, give your goals a deadline. If you want to lose those 10 pounds, say you want to do it in eight weeks. This helps you stay focused and motivated.
Here’s an example: If your overall fitness goal is to get stronger and improve your running for soccer, a SMART goal could be: “I will increase my squat by 15 pounds in 6 weeks and run 10 miles a week.”
By using SMART goals, you create a clear path for your fitness journey. It makes it easier to see how you’re doing and change your plan if you need to.
When you want to get the most out of your time at the gym, having clear goals is really important. A great way to set these goals is by using something called SMART goals. So, what does SMART stand for? It means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Let’s take a closer look at each part so you can use it in your fitness journey.
Specific: Your goal should be clear. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” make it more specific. For example, say, “I want to lose 10 pounds.” This gives you something to focus on.
Measurable: Your goal should be something you can track. For example, if you want to get stronger with your bench press, say how much you want to improve. You could aim to lift 20 pounds more in three months. That way, you can keep track of your progress every week.
Achievable: While it’s good to have big dreams, your goals need to be realistic. If you are currently lifting 100 pounds, you shouldn’t set your goal to lift 300 pounds right away. Instead, try to lift 120 pounds in a month. That’s a more reasonable goal.
Relevant: Your goals should match your overall fitness plans. For example, if you want to get stronger, setting a goal to run a marathon isn’t very relevant. Make sure your goals help you with your main fitness journey.
Time-bound: Finally, give your goals a deadline. If you want to lose those 10 pounds, say you want to do it in eight weeks. This helps you stay focused and motivated.
Here’s an example: If your overall fitness goal is to get stronger and improve your running for soccer, a SMART goal could be: “I will increase my squat by 15 pounds in 6 weeks and run 10 miles a week.”
By using SMART goals, you create a clear path for your fitness journey. It makes it easier to see how you’re doing and change your plan if you need to.