Decide to set fitness goals you can expect to reach

Press, 25 February 1988, Page 9

Decide to set fitness goals you can expect to reach

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Q. I’ve started a shapeup programme now. The trouble is I seem to lose my focus and motivation quickly. Would a fitness goal help keep me interested and committed to my programme? A. For many people, a goal is the most important factor in their fitness programme. Concrete, realistic goals can provide motivation on even the worst days when exercise is the last thing you feel like doing. They also provide a real sense of accomplishment when they are reached.

The key to success is setting goals that are challenging, but within your reach. You must be ready to honestly assess your abilities and tailor your goals accordingly.

Your chosen fitness activity will also influence your goals. For example, if running is your choice for exercise, you can work toward completing a 10-kilometre race, or bettering your time at a certain distance.

JUDI SHEPPARD MISSETT

If you Jazzercise or attend a dance exercise class, you can set a goal to attend three classes a week for 10 weeks straight. If you cycle, a 100-mile, week-end expedition may be your carrot at the end of the stick.

Whatever your choice of activity or long-term goal may be, these tips will help: 1) Analyse the present situation. Be sure that you have the basic skills or abilities to reach your goal. Individuals new to running should focus on finishing a 5-kilometre race before they think of entering a marathon. This doesn’t mean that they can’t eventually run a marathon, but they should be realistic about their starting point and set their first goals accordingly. 2) Write down your goal. There is something about the physical act of putting your goal down on paper that makes it more real. Post it somewhere that you’ll see it fre-

quently for that extra motivational boost. Some people also find that vocalising their goal helps. Every morning when you wake up try stating your goal out loud to start your day. 3) Break long-term

goals into small, measurable steps. Losing 20 pounds can be an ominous goal. But, losing two pounds a week for two months sounds much more reasonable. Give yourself sub-goals that allow you to monitor your

progress regularly. 4) Reward yourself along the way. You deserve recognition for each step that brings you closer to your goal. Every accomplishment is important and significant. When you run five miles without

stopping, buy yourself a new running outfit. Or take yourself to the movies when you’ve made it through three dance exercise classes. Do something that says you’re proud of yourself! —Copyright Jazzercise.