How to start a workout: goal setting

November 4, 1:57 PMLubbock Personal Training ExaminerJennifer Cunningham

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A list of common goals.  Personal Photo.

Not having good goals when starting a workout routine is like starting a road trip without a destination.  Although it may seem like the easiest and simplest of tasks, goal setting can have a huge impact on the success of any workout program.

Here are some tips for good goal setting:

• Always write your goals down.  It is best to keep your written goals handy, and check them often to remind yourself about them.
• Always be specific.  Rather than just saying you want to "lose weight," write down "I want to lose 10 pounds."  Always specify how much weight you want to lose, how many times you want to be able to do something, or what number you are striving for.

A goal written on the calendar.  Personal Photo.

• Be time bound.  Pick a date on the calendar and mark your personal deadlines for your fitness goals.  Without a time limit, you are more likely to continuously put your workout off.
• Be realistic.  If you haven't worked out in years, don't tell yourself that you are now going to workout at the gym 6 days a week for 2 hours each day.  Work within your limits.
• Set short term and long term goals.  A long term goal example would be to lose 100 pounds in one year, and short term goal would be to lose the first 10 pounds in five weeks.

Measuring weight on a scale.  Personal Photo.

• Be measurable.  If your goal is to look smaller, maybe you should try a measurable approach by first assessing the inches, weight, body fat composition, or waist to hip circumference of your body.
• Renew your goals.  If you have met your goals then it is time to check them off your list and make new ones.