The best time to set health and fitness goals is whenever it feels like the right moment for you. That might be at the start of a new year, month or season. It could also be during a transitional period of your life, such as getting married, graduating or returning to work after having kids. Regardless of when you choose to make changes to your lifestyle, setting clear and personalized goals can help you stay motivated, even when the going gets tough.
When it comes to setting goals for your fitness journey, it is important that you set ones that are attainable. For example, if you are new to exercise and have never done a push-up before, it would be unrealistic for you to aim to do your first push-up this week. Instead, you may want to set a goal that is more achievable over the course of a few months, such as attempting several push-ups during workout sessions.
SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound) fitness goals are the most effective, according to Ferguson. It’s easy to get discouraged when a fitness goal isn’t immediately attainable, but setting a goal that you can actually achieve helps to keep you motivated and on track. For instance, a SMART goal to increase your daily steps would be something you can track with a pedometer or other tracking device.
Another way to stay on track is by scheduling your workouts into your calendar. When you treat workouts the same as meetings, appointments or tasks that need to be completed, you will be far less likely to skip them. You can even hire a personal trainer or wellness coach to hold you accountable and help you stick with your goals.
Achieving your fitness goals will take patience and perseverance, but it is worth the effort. Make sure to celebrate every success, even if your final destination isn’t exactly what you initially envisioned. For example, if you aimed to run a 5K but only managed to walk the whole thing, consider this a huge accomplishment.
It’s also important to remember that fitness goals are meant to be challenging. Trying to accomplish too much at once can be overwhelming and ultimately derail your progress. For example, trying to go to the gym every day or cut out added sugar might be too much for your body to handle at once. Start by building up your strength, endurance and flexibility over time.
While it is a great idea to set health and fitness goals, you should always consult a physician before beginning any new exercise program. They can offer medical advice or recommend appropriate exercise programs based on your specific needs. In addition, a doctor can also refer you to a personal trainer or nutritionist for additional support and accountability as you reach your fitness goals. This is especially recommended if you have any preexisting medical conditions or are new to exercise. Having a supportive community can really help you on your journey to a healthier and happier you.