Consistency is probably the number one attribute to get right in order to become healthier, fitter and stronger. Getting into a good routine and following an effective program is vital in achieving your goals. However, before you eagerly dive down that route, your aims and objectives need to be addressed! There are a number of points you need to get right in order to set yourself an effective and representative end goal – consider the SMART points below.

Specific
Of course your goal should be individual to you, so try to make it less broad such as ‘lose weight’ and identify a precise figure that you can aim for and relate back to. This allows you to assess improvement, such as how far you have managed to increase your cycling distance or how much weight you’ve added to your bench press or deadlift.

Measurable
Having a goal that is measureable and assessable is key, so that progress can be tracked often using regular small goals. Trialling different measures is worthwhile. For example, taking photographs so that you can see a difference in body shape, or measuring weight or body fat percentage readings in order to put a number on paper, are all ways of measuring your success and have a varying degree of use depending on your overall goal. Just remember that when you use a machine to gauge your goal, consistency is key – use the same scales, stand on the same hard flooring, and take photos or measurements at the same time of the day and in the same or similar clothing.

Attainable
Any goal set must be realistic and within reach – choosing a goal that is too hard can lead to demotivation and an increase in the likelihood of you giving up. Setting regular smaller goals in order to reach a bigger end goal is beneficial. For example, a weekly dis-tance increase on a run when training for a 10km, or a biweekly weight loss goal if you’re aiming to lose a stone are both good short-term approaches that will keep you on track.

Relevant
The goal itself and your onward approach must be appropriate. Following short term fad diets or initially beginning with training six days a week are interventions that you are unlikely to keep up with long-term. Begin with smaller adaptions to cater for your current fitness and motivation. Healthy habits take time to build and should be lifelong rather than a short-term fix.

Time-bound
An appropriate goal will always have a time constraint in order to guide the process towards completing the objective. Noting down a realistic time frame, including the shorter-term goals within this process, will help provide guidance to a suitable duration.

Any fitness professional can help with SMART goals following a consultation and assessment. Applying the SMART principles is a great start, however dedication, consistency and drive will get you to your end goal.