January is the month where lots of people join a gym, pledge to get fit, eat healthily, give up smoking etc. etc. Do you find that by the end of the month you are struggling to stick to your resolution? It may be that you have overwhelmed yourself by setting unrealistic targets. Goals are the best way to keep you on track. Read on to find out how to set a goal/goals that you can stick to.....
I bet you know what you want to achieve e.g. lose weight, but you may feel as though you don't know where to start. Try this SMART goal setting exercise using the example below:
Overall goal: Lose weight
Specific - I want to lose 1 stone (not just 'lose some weight')
Measurable - I will take measurements at the start and re-measure myself half way through my plan. I will keep a daily food diary throughout.
Achieveable - I will plan to exercise 3 times a week combining high intensity cardio and resistance training. I will reduce saturated fat intake and portion sizes in my diet.
Realistic - I will make sure I fit this in to my current lifestyle and accept that there may be times when my routine can be affected e.g. illness. I will also build up the intensity of my workouts so I don't find it too hard at the start.
Time - I will aim to lose 1-2lb per week so 7 weeks is my target.
Now you have your plan you can get started!
You can use the SMART goal principle for any goal that you have - what do you want to achieve in your own life? Why not try the exercise above and see how you get on?
Until next time.....
Love Sian xx
Sian is a mobile personal trainer and runs Enrich Fitness with her sister Carrie. They are based in Twickenham, Middlesex and cover a wide area of South West London and Surrey. www.enrichfitness.co.uk
