Trainer Tip of the Week – Goal Setting
I believe that everyone who steps into a gym should have a goal they are trying to achieve. What is yours? To run a mile without walking? To get stronger? To lose weight? To complete a marathon? These are just a few of the many goals people can set for themselves. If you don’t have a goal, find one! That is your first step! Secondly, find something you love. You won’t stick with it too long if you always dread what you’re doing. However, one common theme that I see in the gym, is people setting goals for themselves, but failing to reach them. Talk about frustrating! I’d like to offer some tips and pointers that I have found to be successful in my fitness journey, and also in some of my client’s fitness journeys as well.
1.) Set realistic goals, and expectations- Nothing wrong at all with having high expectations, and setting a high mark for you to achieve. However, be realistic too. If your goal is to gain ten pounds of muscle, don’t expect this to be achieved in two weeks. Have a long term mind set.
2.) Set small, short term goals to help you achieve the big goal- If your goal is to lose twenty pounds, take it a week at a time. For example, set the goal for the week to lose 1/2 a pound to 2 pounds in that time frame. Once you have reached that goal, pat yourself on the back! Celebrate the small victories!
3.) Don’t let plateaus keep you down- Everyone hits plateaus. Don’t let this discourage you. It may just be time to change up the routine a little bit, or change up the eating plan.
4.) Find a workout partner- Having that accountability partner can be important on those days when you’re just not “feeling it.” Working out with someone can be more fun as well.
5.) Seek the advice of a professional- There is a reason trainers exist, and are a staple to any successful gym. Fitness professionals are meant to guide you, encourage you, motivate you, hold you accountable, and take you through the most efficient process in reaching your goal.