Your Fitness: How 'smart' is your goal setting?
Many people do not need to focus on losing weight if they are at a relatively healthy body weight - I think a more valuable goal for these people would be to focus on their strength and overall fitness.
When it comes to fitness, many are often familiar with setting goals as part of the process. However, I would argue that many fail to put huge emphasis on the structure of the goals they set.
As this is often an overlooked variable when it comes to your fitness journey, I will break it down below!
The topics below are part of the acronym S.M.A.R.T.
Are your goals specific and clear. This could mean a goal being 'I would like to be able to squat X amount of Kg' instead of having something less specific like 'I would like to get stronger at squatting'.
The use of numbers here, whether that be the number of minutes it takes to hit your 5k or the amount of reps you complete on a certain exercise. The numbers don’t lie - so having some numbers involved gives some intention and direction to follow as you push toward each goal.
Is your goal realistic given your time constraints and other circumstances that may impede your path at times. This does not mean to completely abandon the goal - but more so your awareness on adapting a goal to meet you where you are currently.
Is this goal relevant to what you are trying to achieve? If your goal is to simply get stronger, then a smart goal that you’ve put together to lose weight might not be the most appropriate option.
While weight loss is a common goal for many in the fitness industry, many people do not need to focus on losing weight if they are at a relatively healthy body weight - I think a more valuable goal for these people would be to focus on their strength and overall fitness.
One of the most important variables in my opinion. Time.
Time limits incur a sense of urgency, which is what many of us need when it comes to reaching an objective.
It helps to reduce the possibility of us resting on our laurels and ensure we keep moving forward towards our goal.
Give yourself an 8 to 12 week window to reach some goals and do what you can to ensure you reach your milestones by the dates you’ve set.
There is a lot more information on this online if you’d like to dig deeper!
A health or fitness professional will also be well-equipped to help you set some goals specific to your circumstances if you feel you would like some help in setting yours.
I am also delighted to announce that I am now offering an in-person personal training service at Kingfisher Fitness Club, Waterford. Please get in touch through the contact information below or call into reception to check availability and avoid disappointment as spaces are limited. Please visit my new website www.coachedbycashel.com for more information.
Lastly, I would also like to clarify that I am not a registered dietician. All advice disclosed here is simply advisory based on my qualifications as a fitness professional and personal experience and knowledge gained working with individuals and helping them reach their goals.
The advice given is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.
I hope someone out there found some of this information useful here, just some food for thought.
For any questions in relation to this topic or training, nutrition, etc. or for coaching inquiries simply message me on my business page on Instagram @coachedbycashel_ or by email - contact@coachedbycashel.com
