Setting up fitness goals is the first step towards reaching them. Because as the saying goes, ‘Fail to plan, plan to fail.’ So let’s learn more about goal setting so that you can reach your fitness goals.

Benefits of Goal Setting

For even more incentive to set goals, check out the additional benefits you can get. First of all, you can raise your self-confidence because you set out to do something and worked towards goal. And you increase you motivation, pride and self satisfaction in a job well done. Plus you improve your life and have a new achievement to chalk up. And you came, you saw, you conquered yet another difficult challenge, something that was holding you back and making you sad.

And check out the facts. Effective goal setters reportedly boast more self-confidence, focus and concentrate better and have less stress and anxiety. And overall they are happier and lead more productive lives.

Goal Setting Steps

To simply state unplanned goals, though, is unwise. For example, if you list a goal like, “I am going to be 70 lbs. lighter this time next year.” This is too vague and you could be setting yourself up for failure.

Effective goals start with education. In other words, the goal setter has researched the details involved in order to complete the goals, and then set up specific step-by-step action plans with timed tasks along the way that are measurable in order to note progress along the way and success or failure with each.

Research and Development

Begin your fitness education by checking out some of the latest health and fitness books from your local library. Ask your reference librarian for help. While you’re there, check out some of the latest health and fitness magazines like Fitness, Shape, Men’s Health and Fitness RX for Women. Also before setting up a fitness program, it’s a good idea to check with your physician first. He or she can help guide you in choosing a program that’s just right for your needs.

To help with choosing a good fitness program and plan to follow, you need to consider a few things. Cost is important, so make sure any home fitness equipment and fitness program fees and extra costs like exercise videos and special foods, snack bars, shakes, monthly gym memberships and exercise class fees fit into your family budget.

There are a few things you can do to help with costs. Call the gym to see if they publish coupons and where to get them. Ask about special campaigns they may have like 10% off plus no registration fee for AAA (American Automobile Association) members. Check eBay for discounted equipment and bulk snack bar and shake purchases. And network online at MySpace.com and through popular fitness forum to find which gyms are best for what you want to do in your area plus for other food, equipment and other discount resources. Many people sell their used fitness equipment, so you may save some money buying used.

When you’re finished with all your research, start setting positive fitness goals and steps to reach them based upon your findings. See what the average weight loss is, for example, over how long of time and what it takes to get there. Then establish your goals and get moving.