Getting fit and active can mean many different things to many different people. For some of us it’s as simple as getting out for a few walks a week in the outdoors, while others will focus on training hard to compete in competitions. Whether it is running marathons, smashing triathlons or increasing muscle mass to compete in bodybuilding, setting goals is critical if you want to make the most out of your hard work.

Of course, each type of exercise and target will require more specific goals but in general, meeting your fitness goals requires a definitive plan. So, how do you define and meet your fitness goals?

Well, the trick is to create smart fitness goals and this is how you do it.

Be Specific

The aim is to understand what you want and how to achieve it. Therefore, you need to make it clear and concise. Determine why you want to achieve it and how you want to get there.

So, if you want to become healthier, then you might choose to head to the gym a couple of times a week. If you want to lose weight, then you might need to create a clear cardio plan that will help you to burn calories as well as a diet plan that works with your weight loss goals. Understanding, the specifics of your goals can help you to plan better.

Make it Measurable

Every goal has to be measured, otherwise, how will you know when you have reached it and succeeded? So, if you want to run a certain distance then give yourself a time when you plan to reach that goal. If you have a certain amount of weight that you want to lose then have a time frame in mind. However, remember that these goals should not be governed purely by how they are measured. If you miss a milestone, then remember that you can always change it.

Be Realistic

When you set a goal, there is no point in aiming too high because that will lead to disappointment. Therefore, pick a goal that will challenge you and one that will work within your limits. If you push too hard and never reach your target then you will become disheartened and that can lead to you giving up. So, work out what distance you want to reach such as 5km or 10km, both of which are realistic or give yourself a certain amount of weight you want to lose. 

Make Goals Relevant

The goals have to be relevant to you and what you want to achieve. The goals should not be something that someone else is forcing you into doing as that is not the purpose of fitness-based goals. Doing something for yourself is about doing something that means something to you. If you feel as though it is something that you need to do then it is relevant. Whether that is weight loss or aiming to complete your first marathon. If it feels right then it is relevant and will keep you motivated.

Have an End-Goal

The aim of most fitness goals is to know where you want to finish. That deadline could be considered a finish line and it gives you something that you can actively work towards. When it comes to fitness, it takes dedication and getting motivated can prove challenging for some. However, when you have a clear goal that is achievable, you can work towards it.

If you are training for a triathlon then give yourself a number of months to get to a level where you are ready to compete. However, remember to give yourself some breathing space as it will enable you to move your goal should you become injured or fall ill. 

When you have an end-goal, you can create smaller goals that lead to the main goal. So, if the target is to run a distance of 20 miles over a three month period, you can break that down into smaller goals that keep you inspired and motivated up until you reach your main goal.

Understanding what you want to achieve requires smart fitness goals. So, whether you want to lose weight by eating better and swapping fast-food for healthy protein snacks or you want to give yourself the challenge of competing in an iron man competition, set your goals and reach them efficiently and effectively.