Often times I mention to clients that I work with that the most important thing is to set goals. Now, why is setting goals so important? How do you set goals? Let's take a look.


One of the most motivating factors to continue to exercise is results. Let's face it, working out is not the easiest thing in the world, if we aren't seeing results we will no longer be motivated. This is the reason why exercise adherence is so low. People tend to workout and not see the fruits of their labor, so they lose interest and decide not to continue and fall off. We see this happen all the time during New Year's, everybody decides they're going to start working out, and eventually majority fall off. So how can we prevent this?


The answer is by setting goals. Not just a long-term goal of losing a bunch of weight, or gaining a ton of muscle, but short-term, and medium-range, goals as well. However, when setting goals for yourself, make sure that they are realistic. It does not help you to set goals that are way too far-reaching because if you don't achieve them you will lose your motivation to continue with your plan. So make sure that your goals are realistic.


By keeping a journal, where you detail specific realistic and attainable goals, you will have a measure or a barometer of your progress. With each goal that you achieve, it will catapult you forward and keep you motivated to continue. If you follow my guideline of outlining short-term mid-range and long-term goals that are realistic and attainable, as well as specific, they will really help you and your program.


So hopefully this advice helps, and you begin tracking your goals. Remember, achieving goals is not a sprint, and in most cases will be a marathon. As long as you are consistent, motivated, and determine you will achieve your goals.