Be S-M-A-R-T about your fitness goals

Setting SMART goals is arguably one of the most important steps in developing your fitness.

Not all fitness goals are created equally, and some goals set you up for frustration and failure from the moment you first set foot in the gym.

SMART goals are designed with behavioral psychology in mind and intentionally built to be useful and effective at moving you methodically toward whatever your long-term fitness aspiration might be.

Specific – Make your goal as specific as possible (e.g. ‘I want to be able to do 20 sit-ups in 60 seconds by…)

Measurable – Pick a goal that will allow you to measure your progress over time (e.g. “At first I could do 10 sit-ups, but now I can do 15!”)

Attainable – Be sure to challenge yourself, and don’t set the bar too low (e.g.12 sit-ups are too easy for a goal. I’ll make it 20!”)

Realistic – Challenge yourself but don’t set yourself up for failure! (e.g. “1000 sit-ups in 60 seconds are impossible, I’ll make it 20!”)

Time – Set a deadline for your goal and try to achieve it! (e.g. “I want to do this by…”)