Setting Goals

Setting goals in fitness is fundamental. It gives you a path to follow so that all of the hard work and effort can be measured. It helps you feel accomplished. It also helps you keep your commitment to yourself. if you have a set goal with a set deadline it pushes you into action. The key to success is setting the right goals.

The most most important thing in setting goals is making them quantitative as opposed to qualitative. In other words, something that can be measured objectively.
Here are examples:

Quantatative Goals:

"I will be able to do 5 chin-ups by March 1."
"I will drop my running time 30 seconds per mile by March 1.

Qualitative Goals:

"I will be ripped by by March 1"
"I will look good in a bikini by March 1"

Quantitative goals are tangible markers that help focus your workouts. You need to do specific exercises to gain the strength and endurance to do 5 chin-ups or to quicken running pace. The results are clear and defined.
Qualitative goals are abstract ideas that are based on subjective measuring. There is no set standard for being ripped or looking good in a bikini. And the measuring gets done by looking in the mirror. This can reek havoc on your psyche. Most of us tend to moprh our body image.

When you set goals to improve physical strength, power, endurance and conditioning quantitaviely, the qualitative results will happen. Remember, It's vital to make goals that challenge you but that you know are possible to achieve. Reach, but don't overreach. Go for success!

Resolution Results

Six weeks ago I declared my pre-New Year's resolution list and promised a follow-up with the results.
When making the list I thought about my trigger points. Those moments that cause calamity to the hard work
and discipline of my daily life. They don't only happen holiday time but they seem to be heightened by the
spirit of excess that begins Thanksgiving and doesn't end until January 1st. Hence, why I wrote this before Thanksgiving!

I am happy to report that by creating this list ahead of time I was able to get through the holidays with my clothes, actually, a bit loser! A first for me. I know that by coming to terms with my pitfalls ahead of time, it helped me stay present and focused. I found myself keeping to the list without any of my usual inner turmoil. You now that voice in your head that likes to play Battleship as you pass by the dessert buffet. Making the spirit of family and friends the priority instead of the food helped keep it in perspective.I spent more time talking than eating. When I did eat, I allowed myself a taste of everything. I never felt denied. I And by keeping up my exercise regimen I had my endorphins in gear. Often, we use sugars and fats as "feel-good pick-me-ups" as a replacement for that "runner's high".

This was a great life lesson. I am going to try to keep up my list making throughout the year. Everyday is a day to be fit and healthy. Sometimes, I just have to remind myself of that!