What's so important about targets then?

 Setting yourself a target can be a great way to motivate yourself in your training and also helps you to monitor your progress.

In this bit of the Sculpt and Shape blog we'll be looking at the different ways you can set yourself targets, some common pitfalls around targets (you'll be wanting to avoid these then!) and some real examples of how people have used targets to succeed. There may be some theory stuff but we'll keep that to a minimum don't worry.

Today is all about being SMART.....

One of the best ways to set yourself a target is to think SMART: 

S is for Specific: You need to say what exactly it is you're aiming for - whether its to do 10 reps, lift 20kg, swim a mile, lose 1 stone in weight, lose 2 inches off your waist, go for 7 days without eating chocolate......

M is for Measurable: Have a think about how you're going to measure your progress. If you can't measure it how will you know if you've hit your target? Your bathroom scales or a tape measure might come in handy, or think about keeping a written record. 

A is for Achievable: Your target shouldn't be too hard that you can never hope to achieve it - we'll look in another blog about what happens when you set targets that are too difficult -it ain't pretty!

R is for Realistic: Do you have everything you need to help you achieve your target - support from your friends, the right equipment, enough time to go to the gym, access to healthy food?

T is for Timed: Its best if you give yourself a specific date to meet your target by, so this could be in 1 week, 1 month, 3 months whatever.

That's it for this week, I'm off for a smoothie from Mike's Kitchen.