How to set goals for your fitness workout using SMART method

In my years of experience as a personal trainer I always ask a new client at Better Body NYC “What are your goals for your workout?”. Without fail the answer is usually “I want to get in shape”. However, this is a vague answer because shape for one person is not the same as shape for another. I would suggest using a method called “S.M.A.R.T.” goals. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time restrained. I will now explain.

• Specific - Choose specific things you would like to achieve

It doesn’t matter if it’s pounds, inches, strength, power, changing body composition, gaining speed or a combination of these things. It still can be made specific. For instance you may want to lose 10 pounds while gaining 50 pounds on your squat. Another example is losing 3% body fat while cutting 3 minutes off your 5 mile run. As you can see the examples are endless but they are still “specific”;

• Measurable – Measure your “specific” goals

Weight loss can be measured on a scale, body composition can be measured with calipers, time can be measured using a stop watch. As you can see once you set “specific” goals they can now be “measurable”;

• Attainable – The goals you set must be attainable

A person can not set a goal such as to play basketball like Micheal Jordan you have never played basketball. In this instance a goal would be I want to play basketball 3 times a week. This type of goal is “specific” “measurable” and “attainable”;

• Relevant - Pick relevant choices to archive your goals

If a person wants to lose weight the personal trainer should extended cardiovascular work. You should not do things that causes low calorie expenditure. Even the exercise chosen for this goal would have to serve the purpose of this goal. This ties directly into my post “What is the proper fitness tool for my workout”. These choices are now “specific”, “measurable”, “attainable”, and “relevant”;

• Time restrained – Set a realistic time restraint on achieving your goals

You shouldn’t say “I have to lose 20 pounds in a week” this is unrealistic as well as unhealthy and dangerous decision. A realistic and healthy weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds a week. A person who says “I want to lose 10 pounds in 5 weeks by running 15 miles a week” is on the right path. That is a “specific”, “measurable”, “attainable”, “relevant” and “time restrained” set goal proposal. When you train with Better Body NYC we will help you set and achieve your fitness goals in an efficient and safe manner.