In a world full of voices spanning the spectrum, it can be so difficult to know what health and fitness goals are right for you. Should you diet to lose weight? If so, how much weight should you try to lose? Or should you be attempting to gain muscle?
We're here to cut through the noise at The Smart Fit Method and help you understand how to set an appropriately challenging, personalized goal. Every body is different, but a lot of the methods that will move you closer to your goal will look similar.
Let’s dive in and discuss the different fitness goals you might want to set and when you should set them.
Which fitness goal is right for me?
Choosing a fitness goal depends on a few factors. What do you want to achieve? Where are you starting from? And what lifestyle circumstances might present a challenge?
Broadly speaking, there are three types of fitness goals: weight gain, weight loss, and performance goals. Which one you choose depends on your lifestyle, your personal desires, and where you are benchmarking. Any person can choose to pursue multiple different goals at different periods of their life.
You don’t need to choose a weight loss goal because every other 40 year old female in your social circle is dieting. As a man, you don’t need to choose a weight gain goal because more visible muscle will help your dating prospects. You certainly can, but understanding the “why” behind a goal and critically analyzing how it will impact your health will help you make an informed choice for yourself and choose the best fitness goal - for you.
What’s the best fitness goal?
The best fitness goal is a myth. The truth is, there is no one, singular ideal that every person should aspire to. Your best fitness goal will be the one that serves your health and wellness needs.
When choosing the best fitness goal for you, consider your needs. Are you suffering from fatigue, poor self-esteem, or depression? Do you have a chronic illness? Do you otherwise feel fine but want more structure in your life? Consider your lifestyle factors carefully when choosing your goal.
The best fitness goal for you will evolve and change with time. The best way to determine the best fitness goal for you is to book a consult with a certified personal trainer to have an honest discussion of where you’re at - and where you want to go.
How can I achieve a fitness goal?
How many people do you know set a fitness goal for their New Year’s Resolution?
Now, how many people do you know who succeeded in that fitness goal?
What’s the secret sauce to achieving a fitness goal? It starts with a few critical components.
To achieve a fitness goal, think about what excites you and aligns with your lifestyle. Setting a SMART goal—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—can help you stay on track and motivated. Set a quantifiable, data-driven goal with hard numbers: if you can measure it, you can improve it.
Achieving a goal starts with being realistic and considering what is in the realm of possibility for you, then stretching outside that boundary just a little bit. You want a challenge, but you don’t want to be overwhelmed. Then, make sure to put it in numbers. “Lose a little weight” is a bad goal because you’ll never know when you’ve made it. “Lose 15lbs” is much better.
Fitness goals that aren’t “Lose Weight”
At The Smart Fit Method, we want to redefine what it means to have a fitness goal. If losing weight will bring down your blood pressure and improve chronic pain, you should absolutely go for it, but it isn’t the “end all be all” of fitness goals. Here are some other great goals you can set in the studio or gym.
Endurance Goals
Aim to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Set a goal to run a 5K, swim a certain distance, or complete a cycling event. Then, ask your Smart Fit Method trainer how to tailor your training to support you. Bump up the Smart Rides with O² and the Cold HIIT sessions to ensure you’re recovering well.
Strength Goals
Focus on increasing your muscle strength. You might set a target to lift a specific weight on your Leg Press, Chest Press, or Row. Who doesn’t love seeing greens on Smart Strength with ARX technology?
Weight Gain Goals
Believe it or not, gaining weight can make you look slimmer! Increasing your muscle mass not only helps you live better for longer and makes you stronger, but it also helps you shed body fat.
Skill-Based Goals
Working on mastering a new activity or skill, such as learning a new sport, improving your technique in a particular exercise, or achieving a specific yoga pose can be incredibly rewarding.
Accountability Goals
Set a goal for athletic accountability such as booking sessions a certain number of days per week, improving your sleep quality, or increasing your daily step count.
