Setting-Effective-Fitness-Goals-Class-A-FitnessGoal setting can boost your workout motivation. However, not all goals set you up for success.

Here are a few tips for setting effective fitness goals and increasing the chances that you’ll get the results you want.

1. Make your goal specific.

Goals like “lose weight” or “get fit” or “increase energy” are common and worthy aspirations. But how will you know when you’re “fit”? What will “lose weight” or “increased energy” look like?

Vague goals lead to wishy-washy results. The more specific you make your goals, the greater your chance for success. Make your goals more specific by attaching a number and a deadline for your goal. For example, “I will lose 10 pounds by ________.” Or, “I will finish my first half marathon before I turn 45.”

2. Make your goal realistic.

Goals should challenge and push you. But you don’t want to set yourself up for failure or disappointment by reaching for something unrealistic and beyond your grasp. A realistic goal will push you without becoming impossible.

So how do you know what will challenge you just the right amount? Take some time and think about the goals you have achieved in the past. Your past goal history and previous results will give you an idea of what could be attainable.

3. Make your goal process-oriented.

Sometimes we have to be careful about the goal-setting process. It’s easy to focus on the desired outcome and lose sight of the process. When you’re only focused on the end result, you might lose sight of the small steps that need to take place to get there.

Step number one is to set a goal that’s specific and realistic. Next, shift your focus to “how.” How will you reach your personal goal? Lay out all the necessary steps and come up with a plan for your success.

4. Invest in your goal.

If you’re not invested in your goal, then your motivation and excitement for achieving it will fizzle out in the future. Choose a goal that matters to you and connect a “why” to it. Determine the purpose of the goal you want to achieve. Once the intention behind your goals is clear, the whole process will become more meaningful, and you’ll be more motivated to stick with it.

Class A Fitness in Greendale offers a variety of program options to help you achieve your fitness goals. Contact us today to find out more about what we offer.