1. Be Specific About Your Fitness Goal:
“I want to lose weight”, but if you really stop to think about it, that goal is not quite specific enough. What amount of weight do you want to lose? When do you want to lose this by? The answers to this and other so-called “W-questions” make our goals more Specific:

• Who: Who is involved? That’s easy! “I …”
• What: What do I want to accomplish? Again, be specific here: “… want to lose 2 kgs… ”
• When: Establish a time frame. “… in two months …”
• Which: Identify requirements and constraints. Which way are you going to do this? “… by eating right and exercising …”
• Where: Identify a location. The more details you fill in to form a complete picture, the more likely you will be to execute the plan. “… in the gym …”
• Why: Give specific reasons, purposes or benefits of accomplishing the goal. “… so I can be healthy, fit and energetic.”

“I … want to lose 2 kgs … in two months … by eating right and exercising … in the gym … so I can be healthy, fit and energetic.”

2. Make Your Goal Measurable:
OK so you have set a specific goal and have started making positive changes in your life toward achieving it. But how do you know how well you are doing? Measuring your progress at frequent intervals is as important as setting the goal in the first place. Nothing will boost your confidence and morale than seeing your body change for the better in the mirror every day.

3. Set Attainable Goals:
Think small, attainable targets and you’ll be alright because it’s the attaining of small goals that boosts your morale and helps you aim higher.

4. Be Realistic:
Be realistic and ask yourself what the chances are that you will stick to any drastic change in behaviour:

• Do you have two hours to spare for running? Every single day?
• You won’t eat cake? What about on your partner’s / kid’s / best-friend’s birthday?
• No fried foods?

5. Stick To Timely Goals:
This is the “… in two months …” part of the goal statement. By limiting the time you have to accomplish a goal you have a fixed timetable to work with and the sense of urgency that will spur you to keep on track.

Go ahead - set a S.M.A.R.T. fitness goal right away and work towards it!

About the Author

Jason is a Christchurch based R.E.P.S Registered personal trainer and a graduate of the NZ College of Fitness. He has been a former NZ 7’s representative and professional rugby player. He trains his clients from his studio on Waltham Road.