Setting Fitness Goals That Work

2011-09-19T08:39:06Z

Wellness.com - Setting Fitness Goals That Work by slimmama

Setting fitness goals can be frustrating. Yet it is VITAL to your success if you want to get in shape. And as a martial artist I can tell you that there is no way around it. If you're not setting and measuring your goals then you are going nowhere as far as fitness is concerned.

So how do you go about setting fitness goals? The strategy I am going to share with you will not only serve you in getting the body that you want, but it can be applied to any area of your life as well.

Step 1: Find your desire. Most of the goal setting material that I've read tells you to start by writing down anything you'd like to do, have, or be. This is meant to really pump you up and get you excited. And it does...for a time. As a guy if I just start writing fitness goals like "Bench Press 500lbs. and win a bodybuilding contest" I might feel hyped up in the moment and ready to 'conquer my future', but am I really committed to that kind of goal? Does it really inspire me? Probably not.

I would suggest you pay more attention to what you TRULY desire as you sit down to write your goals. First, ask yourself why you're doing all this in the first place. Do you miss being able to play more freely with your kids? Perhaps a goal to be able to play football with your son for a half hour is a worthy desire.

Whatever the goals are that you choose, write at least one paragraph as to WHY you want to achieve that goal. How will it benefit you? What are the long-term results of accomplishing that goal? This is where you'll really start to connect to your goal. This is what makes the difference between those who give up after the initial excitement of their dreams and those who stay committed to their passions.

Warning: Many people have scaled the ladder of success only to find that it was leaning against the wrong wall. So do the research to make sure that the goals you've set will really help you to fulfill your desire. For instance, going anorexic is NOT a good weight loss program and will NOT result in you feeling healthier. Also, be sure to evaluate your goals periodically to make sure that they are realistic and that they are still bringing you closer to your desires (the WHY'S behind achieving them).

Step 2: Reality Check.Dream big and you might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. But dream TOO big and your subconscious mind will only laugh at you and make you throw in the towel.

One of my friends is really good at the game HALO. And every time we play he destroys me. It's not even fun for me anymore. After the first couple times he kills me I don't want play because there's no point. I don't feel challenged, I feel overwhelmed.

Don't let this happen to you in your fitness or life goals. Ask yourself if you are being realistic about your goals. You want to find the balance between challenging and overwhelming. As your confidence in yourself grows you can always re-establish your goals.

Step 3: Set up a support system. This means strategize. Figure out what you can do to make success easier and failure harder. I suggest you write down at least 3 situations that you find most challenging and then (with or without the help of a friend) create a plan of action to deal with those situations when they arise.

To illustrate, I've been focusing more on my diet lately. I quickly learned that unless I had a fully stocked fridge of healthy food choices I was fighting an uphill battle when mealtime came. So what do I do now? I keep my fridge ready at all times with several healthy options.

Many people find that a support group, friend, or accountability partner can be immensely helpful. I also prefer to read books related to my goals, as it keeps me more focused and excited about them. There are a number of ways to keep yourself inspired as you work to accomplish your goals. Feel free to share some more ways in the comments section of this article.

Finally, seriously consider hiring a personal trainer. As a fitness coach myself I can tell you, there is a lot more science behind reaching your fitness goals than you can get from just reading a book. And a trainer knows how to get results because he (hopefully) has gotten them for others many many times.

Losing Weight - Changing Your Habits

2011-09-19T08:38:34Z

Wellness.com - Losing Weight - Changing Your Habits by slimmama

In our fast paced lives and the ever-increasing demand from family, friends and work, it seems that there are not enough hours in a day to set aside for ourselves. The world continues to move forward as the demand for production increases in our global economy. The daily grind of getting up, going to work without a healthy breakfast is slowly taking a toll on the body and health, instead we opt for a quick bite of breakfast from a fast food outlet, food that is loaded with additives, sodium and sugar. The result is a growing number in obese people, along with illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

To avoid any of these health problems from developing a person must change their habits to a healthier lifestyle and should include exercise. This is easier said than done, and most will agree that this is huge task for anyone wanting to lose weight. The changes will not occur over night, it will take time, patience and perseverance. The individual must slowly begin changing how they eat by adding fruits, protein, vegetables and other foods that are clean, natural and healthy. The biggest hurdle will be to avoid fats that are considered bad for the arteries, sodium, sugar and food additives that will contribute to health problems over time. Foods that are processed are also considered a serious threat to your health.

You will struggle with changes on how you eat, but if you are serious about improving your health and losing weight, you will reach your goal and let family and friends know about the changes you have made in your life. Exercise should be taken easy and slow, you may want to visit a physician before attempting any type of weight loss regimen or changes to your diet. Continue to repeat and reinforce your healthy routine of eating wholesome foods that are natural and clean. Exercise should include walking and as you begin to lose the weight, you may want increase the distance. Biking is another effective way of burning the fat, swimming can be included as well. The key is to remain active and having your metabolism working constantly to burn the fat.

It is important that you add variety to not only exercise, but in how you prepare your food, such as baking, broiling and add natural ingredients to spice up your food for flavoring. Make exercise fun and enjoyable, this is not about following any specific diet or diet plan, this is about you making serious lifestyle changes that will have you feeling healthy and preventing the diseases associated with obesity.

Wellness Posts by slimmama

Setting Fitness Goals That Work

Losing Weight - Changing Your Habits