How to Set Workout Goals
For a novice exerciser, it is often easy to picture the desired end result of long and dedicated workouts but less simple to devise a plan for how to achieve that end result. Often, personal trainers ask clients for a list of areas they want to work on before beginning a training session. By setting clear and manageable workout goals, your fitness regimen can help you obtain the results you desire.
Instructions
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Define Your Plan
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Determine what you want to achieve through working out. It may be weight loss, muscle definition or simply an improvement of your general health. Workout goals depend on your objective.
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Place a written record of your desired end result where you will see it every day. "Shape" magazine's website recommends placing the document somewhere such as your refrigerator, car or computer screen so that you'll be reminded constantly what you want to achieve and your reasons for setting workout goals.
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Determine how much time you realistically can devote to working out. That involves thinking about your current lifestyle commitments. If can devote only two days each week to hitting the gym, then your goals will take longer to achieve than if you can work out every day.
Make a Schedule
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Chart all the commitments in your life on a computer program or graph paper. Include work, family and social obligations.
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Look for gaps in your schedule where a workout could be inserted. Keep in mind that your goals can be achieved in a variety of ways. You don't need to block out three hours for a gym visit if you have a one-hour lunch period during which you can take a brisk walk and fit in some cardiopulmonary (cardio) activity.
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Fill in those gaps with a dedicated slot for exercising. Just as your work, family and social commitments require scheduling, so does your fitness regimen. By scheduling specific times and allowing yourself to focus on adhering to the commitment, you are more likely to reach your goals.
Do Your Research
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Choose exercises and/or routines that target the specific areas on which you want to focus workouts. A wealth of information is available on websites, including the U.S. government's Health.gov, which lists cardio, weight training and general fitness activities. Choose a variety of exercises designed for your focus areas.
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Design a routine for yourself. Includes factors such as the number of days per week you will work out as well as the length of time you work out per session. Also include which exercises you will do on which days to avoid straining any area of your body.
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Compare your routine with your desired end result. To do that, review your plan from beginning to end and ask yourself whether or not the vision of your end result coincides with the exercise routine you designed, including lifestyle and time factors. If the answer is yes, then you successfully set workout goals for yourself.
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Tips & Warnings
Take into account medical and/or physical conditions when setting workout goals. They may limit the spectrum of activities you can perform.
Consult a physician before beginning any sort of exercise or fitness routine.
References
- Photo Credit black woman in gym image by Susan Rae Tannenbaum from Fotolia.com
