Your 8 Step Guide to achieving your fitness goals this month
Welcome to a brand new month! It's the perfect time to refocus your energy, set new intentions, and work towards a healthier, more active you. It’s so common to lose track at this time of year, we find ourselves less inclined to go on that long walk when it’s darker and cooler, so having clear goals set at the beginning of the month can help us get organised. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting your wellness journey, setting clear and achievable monthly fitness goals can help you stay motivated and track your progress. In this mini guide below, we'll walk you through the steps to set and achieve your fitness goals for the month ahead.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Current Fitness Level
Before you set any goals, take a moment to assess your current fitness level. Ask yourself:
What are my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to fitness?
What physical activities do I enjoy the most?
Are there any limitations or health considerations I need to keep in mind?
Understanding where you are right now will help you set realistic and personalised goals. If you haven’t gone on a run before then setting a goal of 5k each day might be a tad too big. Start off small and build up slowly. This way, you’re much more likely to maintain it!
Step 2: Define Your SMART Goals
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Applying these criteria to your fitness goals makes them more concrete and attainable.
For example, instead of saying, "I want to lose weight this month," you could set a SMART goal like, "I will lose 2 pounds by the end of the month through a combination of regular workouts and a balanced diet." Also think more as to why exactly this is important to you. Like a say a lot in my classes, “let your desire for change, be bigger than your excuses to quit,” that’s really where you’ll see the difference.
Step 3: Break Down Your Goals
Breaking your monthly fitness goal into smaller, weekly milestones can make it less overwhelming and more manageable. This approach allows you to celebrate your progress along the way and adjust your strategy if needed. Don’t be afraid to pivot and change what doesn’t work.
Step 4: Create a Plan
Now that you have your SMART goals and weekly milestones, it's time to create a plan of action. Decide:
Which workouts or activities you'll do
How often you'll exercise
Your nutrition plan
Any resources or support you may need (such as a fitness plan or a workout buddy)
Step 5: Schedule Your Workouts
Consistency is key when it comes to fitness. Schedule your workouts in advance, just like you would any other appointment. Treat your fitness commitment with the same level of importance as other obligations in your life. Take a look at your diary and see where you’ll be able to fit it all in, for example if you know you’ll be finishing work late then perhaps an evening workout isn’t the best plan if you’re going to be tired and opting for the morning is better.
Step 6: Stay Accountable
Find an accountability system that works for you. Whether it's tracking your progress in a journal, sharing your goals with a friend, or joining a fitness community like Sculpt & Flow, having support and a sense of accountability can boost your motivation.
Step 7: Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself
Remember that life can be unpredictable, and setbacks can happen. If you miss a workout or don't meet a milestone, don't be too hard on yourself. Adjust your plan if necessary, and keep moving forward. If you wouldn’t say it to your best friend, don’t say it to yourself either.
Step 8: Celebrate Your Achievements
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Each step toward your goal is an accomplishment worth acknowledging. Reward yourself with something that aligns with your wellness journey, like a new workout outfit!
By following these steps and setting clear, actionable fitness goals, you'll be well on your way to a healthier, happier you. Embrace the journey, stay committed, and watch as your dedication pays off in the form of improved fitness and overall well-being. If you need more help and support, find out how you can join our online community Sculpt & Flow today!
Here's to a successful and active month ahead! Remember, your health and wellness are worth every effort you put in.