Goal setting is, I think we can all agree, very important in every day life. We set goals at work or financial goals and we do it without thinking about it so why should goal setting be any different when you think of exercise. It is extremely important and absolutely crucial to have a goal in mind and work with your personal trainer about what you want to achieve.
If you came to me and said you wanted to lose 30 lbs in 2 weeks, I would tell you that this is not realistic. I would start by setting your expectations with a manageable goal in mind like losing 3-4 lbs in a month. Or maybe it is not even a weight amount, maybe it is to be able to complete 12 push ups on your feet. I have even had clients whose goal is to just commit to exercising with me 2 times a week. These are realistic goals to get you started. In time, you will be able to set tougher goals for yourself, but you need to set achievable goals, at first, so you do not get discouraged. I like to have 2-3 goals for each client and I get my clients to sign off on them.
Here is an example:
| Client Goal: Increase energy | Trainer Objective: Increase endurance to have energy all day long. | ||||
| Specific | Measurable | Time line | Attainable | Relevance | |
| 1.Increase endurance to have energy all day long. | 1.Keep track of heart rate with heart rate monitor to stay within the 50-75% of HRR. Resting pulse to begin with is 78. | 8-12 weeks | 1. Yes provided she is able to stick to the program 2x/week. | 1. Works long hours and needs the energy to keep going. | |
