Setting
up fitness goals is the first step toward reaching them. As the saying goes, "Fail
to plan, plan to fail." Don't be like so many and fail just because you failed
to do a little planning.
Benefits
of Goal Setting
For even more incentive to set goals, scope out these additional benefits. First
of all, you can raise your self-confidence because you set out to do something
and worked towards goal. And you'll increase you motivation, pride, and self satisfaction
in a job well done.
You'll improve your life and have a new achievement to chalk up. "Veni Vidi
Vici" -- you came, you saw, you conquered yet another difficult challenge,
something that was holding you back.
Now
check out the facts.
Effective
goal setters reportedly boast more self-confidence, focus. and concentrate better
and show less stress and anxiety.
And
overall they are happier people and lead more productive lives.
Goal
Setting Steps Simply stating unplanned goals is unwise. For example, if
you list a goal like I am going to be 50 lbs. lighter this time next year,
this is too vague and you're likely setting yourself up for failure.
Effective
goals start with education. In other words, the goal setter has researched the
details involved in order to complete the goals, and then set up specific step-by-step
action plans with timed tasks that correlate to success or failure with each step.
R
& D: Research and Development Begin your fitness education by checking
out some of the latest health and fitness books from your local library. While
youre there, check out some of the latest health and fitness magazines like
Fitness, Shape, Mens Health and Fitness RX for Women.
To
help with choosing a good fitness program and plan to follow, you need to consider
a few things. Cost is important, so make sure any home fitness equipment and fitness
program fees, as well as extra costs like exercise videos and special foods, monthly
gym memberships, and exercise class fees, fit into your family budget.
There
are a few things you can do to help with costs. Call the gym to see if they publish
coupons and where to get them. Ask about special campaigns they may have like
10% off plus no registration fee for AAA (American Automobile Association) members.
Check
eBay for discounted equipment. Also consider networking online at MySpace.com
or through popular fitness Internet forums to find which gyms in your area are
best for you. Additionally, many people sell their used fitness equipment and
are always looking for buyers online.
When
youre finished with your research, start setting positive fitness goals
and steps to reach them based on your results. For example, if you found a used
treadmill that fits in your family budget, incorporate a treadmill program into
your goal setting and adjust anything else accordingly.
Note:
If you're having trouble setting goals (or having trouble keeping them once they
are set), we highly recommend Tom Venuto's excellent and affordable Burn
the Fat program. Tom's book contains one of the best goal-setting and
achievement-oriented exercise routines that we've tried. -- Editors
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Disclaimer:
Throughout this website, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or
functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and these materials and products
are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.