How to Set Realistic Goals
(455 Words)
It might sound great to have a goal of exercising two hours a day, running a four minute mile and getting back into the dress you wore when you were a teenager. Unfortunately, goals do not have much point when they are not realistic. Before you set your fitness goals, it is important to make sure that you can keep them.
Assess your time
The first thing you want to do is assess your time. You need to know how much time you will really spend on exercising. Many people who say that they do not have any time to exercise actually can if they schedule correctly and prioritize. You should make yourself a schedule that is realistic and that you can actually keep. Remember that you can break up your exercise during the day if you need to. Once you have your schedule set you can set one of your fitness goals – how much time you will dedicate to it.
Do a little each day
Remember that even if you can dedicate a certain amount of time you want to be realistic about whether you will. The best thing is to exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. If you set your goals too high then you might never attain them and might end up giving it up altogether. That is why it is so important to be realistic. Of course it should be enough that you are making a difference in your health.
Be realistic
You need to think about what is realistic for your body when you are setting your goals. You might never get into the dress you wore as a teenager if you have three kids and thirty years since then. Of course that does not mean you cannot be fit and healthy with a regular exercise schedule. You need to think about your body type. Most women do not get to be a size 0 – that is okay. You do not want to be unhealthy trying to get to a place you shouldn’t be at to begin with.
Adjust your goals
Sometimes what you need to do is start your program and see what you are actually capable of after the first shade of motivation is gone. If you start exercising for a month, and then realize that you can do more, or can’t do quite so much, then adjust your goals. The primary purpose of your goals should be to be healthy.
Hire a personal trainer
You can also get a professional’s help to set your goals. A personal trainer can play this role.
With the right goals you will be more likely to stick to your fitness plan. Adjust as necessary and work to meet them.