2015 – the chance for a fresh start, the chance to reignite your fitness, lose those pounds, run that race and break that personal best!

All this looks and sounds great on paper, but when the ink has dried and it comes down to it (inevitably after the Christmas break it is harder and sweatier than ever), that goal seems much further from your grasp. Even if you’ve managed to stick to your goals for a few weeks, results aren’t always seen straight away, and we are all impatient even at the best of times.

Sticking to your targets requires a structured approach and an inner belief in your ability to reach what you set. You must be able to visualise the process and the end goal – but don’t just fantasise!

Making ‘SMART’ objectives with the help of a trainer or by yourself is a great way of developing exercises and regimes that are right for you. Follow these steps to plan a better fitness goal.

Specific
A goal must be individual to you, aiming at what you want to accomplish. General targets lead to reduced focus and too much wiggle room.

Measurable
A goal must be able to be measured – whether on scales or on a stopwatch, having a time or weight to beat is vital, otherwise you lack the ability to track improvement.

Attainable
A goal should be achievable for you – are you in the right place and have the right access for the objective you have set? Setting smaller ones can help you develop and work towards a bigger end goal.

Realistic
To be realistic you must be able to visualize yourself achieving the objective. Too high a goal and you may struggle to see the end, too low and you will find yourself less motivated.

Timed
Having a time frame for a goal is important, as this is what you must work towards. This will give you a sense of urgency and keeps the goal and completion date firmly set in your mind. Write it down!

Making one big target is great, as this is what you really want to achieve – for example, running a marathon or losing five stone. But these targets take considerable time and it’s easy to lose sight. Creating shorter-term goals aimed at the main goal is beneficial, and these must also be ‘SMART’. A monthly objective might start with simply going to the gym three times per week.

As we are all habitual creatures we fall into certain routines or habits, which can be good or bad. Creating an exercise habit can be vital in helping you achieve your goal. Start with an easy habit that will be easy to stick to, and make sure you are consistent and perform this habit for at least two weeks. For example, perform 30 minutes of exercise on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Once you have been doing this for 4-6 weeks, change it – maybe increase the length of your workout or switch exercises. This will keep your body and brain guessing, and help lead you to your 2015 fitness goal – you can do it!