5 Ways to Get to Your Fitness Goals

Wherever you want to be with your fitness, from a daily stroll to a marathon, you need to set achievable goals along the way. What's your fitness goal? Running a marathon? Lifting more weight than you did last week? Power-walking around the block without feeling winded? Whether your athletic aspirations are lofty or not, finding the energy to get up and go can be a challenge. When it comes to helping individuals reach amazing fitness goals, Chris Carmichael knows a thing or two about motivation. Carmichael, an author as well as founder and chairman of Carmichael Training Systems, has coached cyclist Lance Armstrong on the road to many a Tour de France win. Here are some of his tips to ensure success on your fitness path. Name a dream goal that you're passionate about Dream goals define the ultimate achievement. The key to setting a goal is to find something you're passionate about. The passion you feel for your ultimate goal is the foundation that will give you the drive and commitment to stay on your journey. Set realistic and challenging confidence-builder goals Once you have a dream goal, it's time to work backwards to determine the steps necessary to reach that goal. These steps determine the roadmap that ensures you stay on the right route. Confidence-builder goals provide the opportunity to see and recognize steady progress. Focus on the process Instead of concentrating only on results, try setting process-oriented goals. With weight loss, you can focus on outcome (losing five pounds, for instance) or process (such as making better decisions about food). Achieving process-oriented goals increases the likelihood of reaching your outcome goals because they focus on the steps needed to get you there. Know the difference between a setback and derailment A setback is a temporary detour from your planned route, such as a week when you don't stick to your regular exercise regimen. A derailment occurs when you abandon your goals completely because you think you've gone too far off track. Setbacks happen. The trick is to recognize a setback before it escalates into a full-scale derailment. Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments When you reach a goal, take credit for the work you've done. Don't just shrug it off for the sake of being humble. Be proud! Now turn your attention to the next goal, aiming for the day when you can again celebrate for completing another step toward your dream goal. Article courtesy of Weight Watchers