Goal Setting For Fitness Professionals is important. Whether you’re working with clients or completing your coursework mastering SMART goals will be a game-changer. In this blog and video tutorial, we’ll explore the realm of goal setting for fitness professionals. We’ll also include clear examples so you can apply it immediately.
Watch 15-Minute Video: Goal Setting for Fitness Professionals
Before we dive into the details, take a quick 15-minute break to watch the training video on goal setting for fitness professionals.
The Importance of Having ONE Goal Instead of Multiple Goals:
One common mistake in goal setting is attempting to tackle multiple objectives simultaneously. As a fitness professional, it’s essential to guide clients and yourself towards success by emphasizing the significance of focusing on ONE primary goal. This not only streamlines your planning, and lifestyle advice but also keeps the client focused.
Start with the End in Mind:
Begin your goal-setting journey by envisioning the ultimate outcome. Starting with the end in mind helps to create a clear roadmap, with other goals acting as landmarks on the way to the final destination. Whether it’s achieving a specific fitness level, losing a certain amount of weight, or mastering a new skill, clarity on the end goal is paramount.
Long, Medium, and Short-Term Goals:
Breaking down the journey into distinct timeframes is essential for effective goal setting. Long-term goals set the overarching vision, medium-term goals help track progress, and short-term goals provide actionable steps for immediate focus. This tiered approach ensures a structured and achievable path toward success, preventing overwhelm and boosting motivation.
Now you know what they want to achieve in the longterm, you can ascertain what they want to achieve in the short and medium term.
Short and Medium-term goals do not need to be a linear breakdown of a long-term goal, but they need to HELP you achieve the long-term goal!
There are two ways to chunk it up:
Example of linear chunking:
Long = 20kg in 20 weeks , Medium = 10kg in 10 weeks, Short = 5kg in 5 weeks
Example of stepping stones:
Long = 20kg in 20 weeks, Medium = Moderate exercise 4 x per week, Short = Eat 5 Fruit and Veg per day
Most clients will get much more from a stepping-stone version of chunking their goals because it offers a variety of focus. This is also great for you because it focuses your training and advice into specific chapters (or mesocycles)
You also need to set a time frame for each of the short, medium and long-term goals:
Example time frames:
Long = 16 weeks +
Medium = 4-16 weeks
Short = 1-4 weeks
Using the SMART Goal Acronym:
The SMART acronym is used a lot, and that’s because it adds huge clarity to setting meaningful goals. Let’s explore SMART in a bit more detail.
What is a SMART goal?
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Achievable
R = Realistic
T = Time Framed
So, what does this mean for you if you are writing a fitness SMART goal?
Take one of your short, medium or long-term goals, and follow along below. Here we explain what to write for each part of the acronym and give an example of Mary’s nutrition goal:
Specific:
What is the goal – include what will be achieved, the time frame and how it will be measured.
“Mary will eat 5 fruit and veg per day for 2 weeks, and I will measure using a food diary”
Measurable:
How will you measure the achievement of the goal? and When?
“I will measure Mary’s food intake using a food diary at week 0 and week 2”
Achievable:
Why is this achievable according to national guidelines?
“It is achievable for Mary to eat 5 Fruit and Veg per day, as this is in line with NICE guidelines”
Realistic:
Why is it realistic for your client to achieve this?
(Consider their barriers)
“It is realistic for Mary, as she already eats 3 Fruit and Veg per day, and can swap her snacks”
Time:
What time frame are you working to? When will you re-measure?
“This goal will be achieved in 2 weeks”
Goal Setting in Your Periodised Programs:
Incorporating goal setting into your periodized programs enhances their effectiveness. Tailor workouts, nutrition plans, and recovery strategies to align with the established goals. Periodization allows for targeted and progressive adaptation, ensuring that each phase of the program contributes to the overall success of the fitness journey.
This is also a great chance to SHOW your client what the goals are, and ensure they agree and are committed to this goal too.
Challenge:
Are you up for a challenge? Write a SMART goal in the comments below using the structure we show you in this blog and video. I look forward to reading your goals and replying to any questions you have
Need help with your goals and casestudy?
Our FIT-Progressions online programme breaks down all sections of your Level 3 PT casestudy including goals, so you can complete it without overwhelm and pass on your first submission.
Plus you learn how to periodise your planning and learn all of the training systems to allow for logical progressive overload so your client can get their goal every time.
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This is for you if you’re…
- struggling to complete your coursework for PT, Yoga, or Pilates
- a newly qualified FITPRO that feels stuck or overwhelmed
- unsure where to start when planning a client session
- worrying about applying your course knowledge with a real client
- doubting you could get results and lack structure to client packages
- anxious and confused about how to get found and get busy
Click the link to find out more and join us:
https://courses.parallelcoaching.co.uk/products/fit-progressions/
Dedicated To more
Hayley “Goal Setting For Fitness” Bergman
Parallel Coaching
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