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Your Good Physical Fitness Goals
Everyone has had this experience: It's lunchtime and you have to work on a report rather than your regular physical fitness workout. You think it doesn't matter, because you can always exercise tomorrow. But the next day comes and you have too much work to do. Days and weeks go by and you haven't worked out; something keeps getting in the way. You really enjoy your exercise time and how you feel afterwards, but you just do not understand why you are not as excited about physical fitness as you once were.
Several factors can contribute to changing physical fitness habits. One possibility is that you did not establish a clear direction or goals for your program. Realistic goals provide focus to an exercise program. They help you get from where you are to where you want to be.
Reachable Good Physical Fitness Goals
The goal-setting process is the same for physical fitness as it is for personal and professional development. Attainable goals help you understand what is possible out of many available options. Establishing goals brings into focus how your current physical fitness status relates to your ideal.
The Long and Short of It
Develop both long- and short-range goals. Long-range goals are more general, but not all encompassing. They should be manageable through a logical progression of activity. They do not need to have a time limit on achievement.
Short-range targets identify the logical steps to achieving your long-term targets. They should be very specific and realistic based on your present capabilities and should have a time limit for achievement. Short-term goals can be used to measure your progress. Remember to include all the components of physical fitness when setting your goals—cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility.
Attain Your Goal? Claim Your Reward!
Now you need a method to keep yourself focused on what you want to accomplish. One method is to make a contract with yourself. A contract is an agreement that includes a well defined conclusion and reward. First, prepare a list of your short-term and long-term goals. Then decide how to reward yourself for attaining each of your targets. Make the rewards special things that are important to you, i.e., getting a new book, getting a sitter for the kids one afternoon, or going shopping. The more excited you are about the reward, the easier it will be to accomplish the goal.
A Longterm Process
Your goals set the path for your success and continuing with your fitness program. This is a very personal process. Everyone's goals will be slightly different. Your targets and rewards need to be right for you.
Remember that setting goals, like physical fitness is an ongoing process. Each time a goal is achieved, set a new one. Don't let a delay in reaching your goal discourage you. Reassess your status and set a new goal, either short- or long-range. Goal setting will help you maintain a consistent physical fitness program for the rest of your life.