Setting SMART goals

Setting goals you WILL achieve:

Most people start the year out with a goal of some sort, but how many of them actually pull it off? We’re dedicated to coming along side you while you dream, set goals, and follow through to the finish line! We offer 3 free coaching sessions to all of our members to help them set a goal, make a plan and put it into action. If you haven’t set up your session yet, do so by emailing us at Customer Service. In the meantime, here’s what ACE fitness has to say about setting SMART goals. Who knows, you may be just one planning session away from making last month’s resolutions a reality.

“An effective way to set goals is to use the SMART method, which stands for goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Setting realistic goals using the SMART method can help with client adherence, motivation, progress tracking, and reducing relapses.

Specific
The goals must specifically state what is to be accomplished. They must be clear and easy to understand and should not be ambiguous. For example, rather than stating that 'you' would like to “get fit,” 'you' can create a more specific goal such as “I want to run a 5K.”

Measurable
The goals must be measurable so that 'you' can see if 'you are' making progress. For example, a goal of “I want to lose 5 pounds” has a measurable component compared to “I want lose weight,” which is more ambiguous.

Attainable
A goal should be realistically attainable. The achievement of attaining a goal reinforces commitment to a program or healthy change and encourages 'you' to continue. For example, a goal of “losing 30 pounds in 1 month” is not an attainable goal. However, “losing 1 to 2 lb. a week for a total of 4 to 8 lb. in a month,” is attainable.

Relevant
The goals must be relevant to 'your' particular interests, needs, and abilities. For example, heavy resistance training would not be the best approach to training for a half marathon. However, engaging in a progressive running program would be a suitable strategy for building the endurance required to complete a half marathon. 

Time-bound
The goals must contain an estimated timeline or deadline for completion. Timelines can be both short- and long-term and should help 'you' stay focused and on track.”

-Nicole Thompson, ACEfitness.org

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