Training Goals, Do I Need Them?

It's the beginning of the new year and the gyms are full of new people that are starting off on their new years resolution. It happens every year and by the first of March the gym is back to the regulars that were there in November the year before. Year after year I've seen this happen, but why? What separates the people who stick to a regimine and those who fall off after only a few months?

GOALS! Every person that sticks to a workout plan has a goal in mind. Actually they may have more than one. They will have goals of different categories and of multiple difficulties, but the one thing they have for sure is a solid goal. A solid goal is what keeps them coming back, its the driving force of why they want to train. People will train for many reasons, some are body builders that want to compete, some marathoners, some for bike races, some people for weight loss, and others for improved mental health. The one thing all of these people have in common is a strong goal. They know why they are training, when they are training, and they carry out the session with conviction.

A big reason I see many people fall off of an exercise plan is not having a solid goal or a driving force keeping them with their training. Not having a goal is like pailing water out of a boat that has a hole in it, you won't get very far. Setting a goal can keep you mind on track, it gives you that driving force to shoot for. A goal will give you the conviciton you need to carry out your training plan. On those days you don't feel like training or you can't make it that extra mile, your goal is there telling you that you can.

How do I set proper goals? I said I was going to the gym and losing weight for new years. You said it and maybe you really want to, but why don't you? You said you were going to lose weight; but how much? You were going to run; but how far? You started a goal, but you didn't assign your goal a value. Setting a value gives that goal meaning. I am going to lose 10 pounds in the first month. This is a goal that has meaning and a time table, not only does is this goal attainable, but now you have a deadline. Not reaching this goal will ilicit a sense of failing and this can be a driving force. Nobody wants to fail.

Now that we know to set goals and assign them values, start setting goals for yourself. Maybe write them down, or share them with a friend or family member. This can make the goals more concrete and make your driving force a little stronger. Don't be afraid to change your goals or add more goals. New goals add new life to your plan and can make it a little more interesting. Next time you set out to create a training plan, or anything for that matter, set some goals, give them a value, and watch the results happen. You'll be surprised what you can accomplish with the right intent!