Personal Training With Lisa

It’s that time of year again….

With the New Year approaching I thought this would be a great time to think about what we want to achieve in 2014.  Everyone tells us to set goals, but do you know how to set goals?  A lot of the time people say, “I want to lose weight” or “I want to be in shape”, what does that really mean?

Here is the method I use for my clients and in my own life to help narrow down the vague goals.  It is called the SMART method of goal setting.

Here you go………….

Writing down goals will make it seem more real and personal. Now take those general statements and clarify them. For example, if you  wrote down you want to get in better shape, lose weight, eat healthier, or get toned, what does that really mean? This next step takes these vague goals and clearly defines the details by formatting them into SMART goals. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.  Example: Joe’s goal is, to get in better shape for an upcoming vacation.  Figure out what
“getting in shape” means to you.  For Joe that means losing 10 pounds of extra weight before he goes on a Caribbean cruise in three months. He’s 37 years old, 5’11” and currently weighs 200 pounds without any medical conditions.

Specific: Lose 10 pounds in three months

Measurable: To weigh 190 pounds. Weight loss can be tracked on a scale. Additionally, if Joe wants to address body composition or waist circumference, these changes can also be measured and tracked via taking body measurements.

Attainable: Losing 10 pounds in three months is an attainable goal.

Realistic: Based on Joe’s current height and weight, a loss of 10 pounds is a realistic goal.

Timely: Three months is a reasonable timeline to lose 10 pounds. Experts agree that losing 0.5 to 2 pounds per week is a safe amount to lose plus you are more apt to keep it off vs if take drastic measures.

Share with us what your fitness goals are for this year and we can all help each other reach our goals!

If your goal is to lose 10 pounds or more this year, check out my NEW weight loss program at www.personaltrainingwithlisa.com