#AskBootcamp: how to make achievable fitness goals… and stick to them!

The first thing you need to do when making lifestyle changes is to identify your goals. In a world full of different goal setting techniques, it’s important to find one that fits you. The pathway to achieving your goals may not always be easy, but it’s good to have an idea where you are heading. People who just “go with the flow” don’t have control of their lives– so step up, take control and set yourself a plan! Northern Bootcamp follows the “S.M.A.R.T.” goal setting plan: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant/Realistic and Timely – those of you who have already attended a Northern Bootcamp will be familiar with this concept.

Specific:

Deciding you want to become healthier is a goal but a bad one – not in the sense that you shouldn’t become healthier, but the goal is too general. Narrowing your sights increases the likelihood of achieving your goals. You could decide that you would like to go swimming three times a week or quit drinking coffee – these are more achievable, direct and will aid you in your overall journey!

Measurable:

The goals you set should be quantifiable. Set yourself an amount of weight you want to lose or set yourself an amount of times you want to go to the gym a week. Setting guidelines means you can tick off the steps, be involved in the process and reward yourself when you achieve.

Achievable:

You are unlikely to achieve your goals you don’t enjoy the process. Just because you want to lose weight doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym or go running – find a sport you enjoy! The same approach applies to food: you don’t have to cut out chocolate! Portion control is a great tool and there’s almost always a healthier version of high-calorie meals. In Northern Bootcamp’s recipe book there’s even steak and chips!

Relevant/Realistic:

Why? Why do you want to become healthier? Why do you want to cut out chocolate? Why do you want to lose weight? You may have a big event coming up or simply want to walk up the stairs without becoming breathless – relevancy adds motivation, importance and urgency to your goal. Setting realistic goals is always important. Accepting that you may not end up with a rock-hard six pack can be disheartening, but once you have achieved your plan you can set yourself a harder goal after that.

Timely:

Goals come under three categories, short, medium- and long-term – each should be set a time limit. This could be hourly, daily, weekly and a monthly! If you’re planning on running in the Great North Run, set yourself mini goals on the way – local runs, daily runs with increasing mileage on the way– this means when the big event arrives you’ll do better than you imagined! 2000 years ago, Aristotle said, “well begun is half done” and this is still true today. Once all these steps are in places you are on your way to success! If you’re struggling to set yourself goals or simply don’t know where to begin, Northern Bootcamp can help you start your journey. Northern Bootcamp is an all-inclusive boot camp for ALL people of ALL fitness abilities. All camps include individual fitness assessments, expert tuition and instruction, an action plan for when you leave and a great sense of community. Join us now!