Be SMART in 2018

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I mentioned something in a previous blog post and then I wasn’t sure if I announced it? I’ve recently passed my level 2 and 3 personal trainer qualification!

 

My blog has always been based on experience and it will continue this way. I just thought a qualification would add some extra weight behind it and it will for certain readers.

 

I recently learnt that creating a SMART plan helps identify a clients goals and expectations. SMART stands for:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable / Agreed
  • Realistic
  • Time-framed

 

I’m mentioning this to you today because you may want to set yourself your own SMART plan this year. Let’s talk about this more detail so grab yourself a pen and paper.

Specific

What is it you want to achieve this year? Don’t just write down ‘lose weight.’ Be specific! I want to ‘lose two stone of weight over the next six months.’ I want to ‘decrease my body fat percentage from 18% to 14% over the next six months.’ That’s my goal actually. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to achieve them.

Measurable

By setting goals that are measurable, this gives you hard evidence for progress and results. There’s nothing better for motivation than seeing results. If you’re looking to lose two stone, writing down 28 pounds gives you a target and you can track your progress.

Achievable / Agreed

This is probably needed more if you’re working with a personal trainer. Trust is one of the most important things between a client and PT. You may be asked to do things that are slightly different and out of your comfort zone so you need to fully trust your PT. There aren’t many things you can guarantee in life but if you are willing to change, give 100% and listen to your PT, I can guarantee you results.

 

There’s nothing worse than not meeting expectations. Between yourselves, set achievable goals and agree them in advanced. You are then more likely to continue the trusting relationship.

Realistic

There’s no point in writing down ‘lose five stone in three months’ if it’s not realistic. This will just result in you feeling deflated when you are unsuccessful. You need to look at yourself in the mirror and decide what can you realistically achieve? Aim small, then aim big. Small progress is still progress. You get the idea!

Time-framed

Taking everything above into consideration, you need a start and end point. So from today, when do you want to achieve your specific goal? A month? Six months? A year? A PT will be able to advise better and I’d say depending on the realistic goal, the longer the better. This will give your body chance to adapt to the weight loss (if this is your goal). You are also more likely to be changing your lifestyle along the way too. This is the whole point to be honest.

Image captured by Deano Moore Photography.

 

Setting a SMART plan could be an excellent idea for you. Personal trainers use these for their clients with great effect. PT’s actually offer numerous benefits such as offering motivation, professional advice, reduce chance of injury and achieving better and sometimes faster results.

 

If you live in London, check out Trevor McClintock. He knows his stuff! If you live in the North East though and are thinking about using a personal trainer, why not get in touch with me? I first picked up a weight 22 years ago and experience is one thing you can’t get for nothing. Male or female – if you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, generally get fitter and healthier, I’m your man!

Paul

About The Author

Following the birth of his son in 2009, Paul was unfit and sluggish. Since then he's been training using a range of exercise techniques and gained some valuable information over the years. Events he has completed to date are Total Warrior, Pier To Pier, Bamburgh 10k, Hamsterley 10k, Blaydon Races, Newcastle Stampede and over 50 parkruns. In 2012 he created his own challenge called the '12 Days of Christmas.' He raised over £1000 for Percy Hedley by running 60 miles to celebrate their 60 years. In 2013 he ran the '12 parkruns of Christmas' with friend Lee Nyland. The pair raised over £1400 for the Tiny Lives Fund.

6 comments

  1. I remember using SMART targets when I was at high school though, like a lot of what you learn at school, I neglected that nugget of knowledge after leaving. Looks like something I might have to get back into – really narrows down what one wants to achieve…

  2. Hi Paul, nice approach. I’m very inspired by you and this was a very interesting and informative post. Health is the most important part of life, nothing is more valuable than good health.

  3. My SMART objective is to drop a dress size by the time I go on holiday in August. I would really like to go to sleep and wake up 2 stone lighter! Whilst specific and measurable, not achievable, realistic or timely x

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