When you’re just starting a new exercise routine, it can be easy to expect more than what you can deliver. If you attempt to do too much at once, you can get discouraged or worse – you can end up hurting yourself. It’s important to know how to set goals that are achievable while challenging you to accomplish more.
Look at Where You Are, Not Where You Want to Be
Be realistic in what you can do. Sure, you may want to run a marathon, but if you get out of breath just walking around the block, you may want to start with a 5K or even a one-mile walk. Set your goals above where you are, but not so far that you’ll never reach them.
Discover What Motivates You
Running a marathon or any other race may not be a good goal if you hate running in general. You might do better with a goal to bike a certain race or number of miles if you prefer riding. Make sure your goal will motivate you to keep working.
Make Sure Your Goals Fit Your Workout
If your goal is to lift a certain number of pounds but you focus on cardio in the gym, you’re probably not going to succeed as well as you might like. You would need to add strength training into your routine if you want to increase the amount of weight you can lift. Make sure your exercise routine fits the goals you set. Otherwise, you need to change one or the other.
Having goals makes working out more fun and successful. Just make sure you set goals that will motivate you, are achievable and fit your personality.