Whether or not you set New Year’s resolutions, having a goal is important if you plan to work out and stay fit. You need something to aim for that will help keep you motivated and let you track the progress you’re making. Then, the challenge is to stick with your goals.
1) Be Specific
You can set yourself up for success by setting good goals. Something like “I want to work out” isn’t specific enough to help you stay motivated. Goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
The goals need to be specific, measurable, and achievable so you’ll know when you achieve them and what you need to do to get there. “I want to lose 10 pounds” is much easier to work toward than a vague “I want to lose weight.”
2) Be Realistic
If the goal isn’t something you can realistically achieve, then you’re setting yourself up for discouragement. Make sure the goal is realistic. You’re not going to go from someone who doesn’t exercise to an Olympic-level athlete in a month. Set a realistic goal with a realistic time limit, then set a new goal after you hit that one. Incremental goals are one of the best ways to stay motivated.
3) Get Personal
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to exercise. There will be a certain amount of trial and error involved in finding what works for you. Discovering the types of exercise that best fit you should be part of your goal. When you can personalize your exercise so it’s something that works really well for you, then you’ll be more likely to stick with your goals.
4) Get Together
Studies show that people who work out with other people are more likely to stick with their goals and to exercise for longer amounts of time. Getting together with some friends is a great option. That’s not always possible, though, with everyone on different schedules. Joining a group fitness class is a great way to have a supportive fitness community. It also lets you work with a personal trainer for a lower price than one-on-one training.
5) Think Long-Term
Many people start their New Year’s resolution to exercise strong, then quit not too long after. Often, that’s because they burn themselves out by working too hard too soon, or because they don’t build exercise into their everyday lives. Exercise is most beneficial if you stick with it. As you set fitness goals, take the time to plan how it’s going to fit into your long-term schedule. Plan to mix up your workouts so you don’t get bored, and don’t get discouraged if it takes some time before you see results.
Extreme Studio Performance provides a luxury gym experience to help you stick with your fitness goals in 2025 and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a gym tour and free fitness evaluation, and see how we can support you in achieving your goals.