The start of a new year is always a great time to reflect, re-evaluate & focus on setting some new goals. Need some help? Have you ever heard of SMART goals? Research shows S.M.A.R.T. goals will help get you results.
Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals To Get Results – Have you ever heard of SMART goals?
The start of a new year is always a great time to reflect, re-evaluate and focus on setting some new goals.
Regrettably, some goals are broken in the first few days or weeks of being made. Its important to make goals that are SMART to increase your chances of successfully achieving your resolutions.
SMART is an acronym used to help guide people to establish goals. SMART stands for:
- Specific – decide exactly what you want to achieve
- Measurable – how will you track this? How will this be accomplished? How will you know if you have achieved this? This could be a time, number, event, or experience
- Achievable – don’t aim too high. Make sure the goal is attainable and not out of reach
- Realistic – be practical about the outcomes you want
- Timely – set out time frames you want to achieve the goals within
Creating a goal is one thing, sticking to it by avoiding injuries is another. Here are some important tips and hints to avoid injuries after you have created some fitness goals and are getting results:
- Start slow and with low impact – Start slowly and ease your way into it. Whether this is your first time exercising or you are returning into the gym/ fitness centre, its helpful to begin with some basic cardio equipment. Such as high speed and low intensity on the bike or walking on a slight gradient on the treadmill. You can add higher impact and intensity later in your program such as running or jumping.
- Warm up and warm down appropriately – A warm up prepares the body prior to beginning exercise via increasing blood flow into the muscles. Warm ups can include light jogs, ballistic movements, light and fast bike work, and foam rolling. A warm down can cool the body down in the attempt to return it to its original state. This can often include stretching and light and gentle cardiovascular activities.
- Supportive and comfortable foot wear – Shoes should have a good arch to support your foot. Everyone does have different needs and exercise requirements of their shoes. Ensure you wear shoes that are comfortable and supportive in nature