One of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions last year was ‘exercise to get in shape’. Perhaps this was one of yours! If so, were you successful? Changing habits is a difficult task! When starting an exercise program, it’s important to evaluate your goals. Make them ‘SMART’ goals (Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). 'SMART' goals help you form a firm vision of what success will look like and how you’re going to get there.
Consider the following when writing out your own 'SMART' fitness goals:
Specific: Instead of just 'exercise more', commit to how often, how long, and what kind of exercise you will do.
Measureable: How often are you currently exercising? How often do you want to exercise? Set the goal, and then track it (journal, spreadsheet, whiteboard, etc. are good ways to keep track of your goal).
Achievable: Be realistic when looking at your schedule and current fitness level. You may need to shift things around to accommodate your goal. Make a plan for how to do this! Exercising every day may be an unrealistic goal if you aren't currently exercising at all. Start with a baby step goal that you know you can reach (twice a week, three times a week), and then set a new goal once you reach your first goal.
Relevant: If you want to gain upper body strength, doing squats every day won't help you reach that goal. Make sure the type of exercise you're doing is relevant to the goal you have!
Time-Bound: Set a deadline for yourself--when do you want to have made your new habit/reached your goal by? Deadlines will help you hold yourself accountable.
Your chiropractor and exercise specialist can help you get started with making SMART fitness goals. Ask about our Take Back Your Body or Home Exercise Programs to help you get started!
In the next blog, we'll talk about motivation and vision for your exercise resolutions.