Everyone begins a fitness program with some sort of goal in mind, but it is typically the case that these goals end up going unfulfilled simply because they are far too vague or subjective. Next time you find yourself in a conversation with someone about the subject of fitness training, make sure to ask about what goals the individual hopes to achieve through training. The response will inevitably be something involving a desire to lose weight or to simply become healthier or stronger, and although these are certainly good reasons for beginning a fitness program, how will you know if you are making progress toward a goal that is so subjective? In order to ensure you are making meaningful progress and getting the most out of your training sessions, Dale Parducci, a professional fitness coach and personal trainer, answered 3 crucial questions for the readers of Healthynewage.
Q. 1: What Is SMART Goal Setting?
Dale Parducci’s answer: “SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based, which means that any goals you set for yourself through training should meet the acronym’s basic standards. Therefore, it is important to recognize the value of the principles outlined in SMART goal setting because if you work toward achieving your SMART goals, there will be no doubt in your mind about whether or not you’ve accomplished one of your goals since there is no room for subjectivity in this approach.”
Q. 2: Why should you Set both Short- and Long-Term Goals?
Dale Parducci’s answer: “I believe that short- and long-term goals will prove useful for motivational purposes and will help demonstrate how all the hard work you are putting in is paying off in a meaningful way. As a personal trainer and fitness coach, I work closely with clients to set quite a few short- and long-term SMART goals that lead up to the ultimate goal that inspired them to seek out his help in the first place. My clients and I work together to set daily, weekly, and monthly goals designed to help show just how much they have accomplished and how much closer they are to achieving their ultimate fitness goal. Short- and long-term goals will help you chart your progress in tangible ways.”
Q. 3: What are the Benefits of Effective Goal Setting
Dale Parducci’s answer: “It might seem overly simplistic, but this approach to goal setting allows you to refer to an accurate visualization of the progress you’ve made through training, which is beneficial for so many reasons, including encouraging consistency and enhancing overall fitness gains. With short-term goals in place, you’ll have something immediately within reach to work toward achieving, providing the kind of daily motivation needed to ensure you adhere to your training program on a consistent basis. Since effective goal setting encourages greater consistency and helps you recognize all the progress you’ve made due to your hard work, you are also far more likely to achieve greater fitness gains as well. This will help you stay focused on meeting each and every last one of both your short- and long-term goals, which in turn fosters the kind of consistent dedication to training that is so necessary for achieving substantial fitness gains and ultimately delivers a well-deserved sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.”
