Weight loss, Tone-up, Getting Leaner, Stronger, Bigger and Fitter are goals that I here every time I meet a new client. My first response to that is COOL!! But here is the issue with these so called goals. They are too GENERAL.

Here is the catch on these goals:

1. Weight loss – simple, hit the treadmill for 50 minutes and goal achieved. Only have breakfast for the day and goal achieved, buy laxatives and sit on the toilet BOOM!!! Weight loss.
2. Tone-up – Tone up what? Ok do the Jane Fonda Step work-out and you will create some muscle not much but some, goal achieved.
3. Stronger – do the same movement every day with more reps and GUESS what you’re stronger in that movement.

So every trainer in the world can achieve all your goals with a basic workout with no effort or taught behind it.

You need to be aware that changing your body or completing a fitness goal is not easy. I’m not going to sugar coat it because to many trainers and coaches will have you believe that it can be done with ease. Nothing worth having comes easy, if you disagree ask your mother about the 9 months she carried you and the birthing process…..

The magic pill, the new abdominal machine (which gives you the best body and a tan for 6 minutes a day) the dance class held at the local gym or my personal favorite, the super amazing 2 shakes a day and one meal diet. Eat nothing and lose weight (don’t forget you will be extremely irritable, tired, lack of metal focus and yes your friends will hate being around you)

As Coach Dan John says “you need to know your Point A (where you are) before you can achieve your Point B (goals)”

So when setting your goals you need to follow these simple rules:

1. What is the main Goal? Point B
2. Where is you fitness, body shape, weight & strength now? Point A
3. How much time per week are you willing to commit to this goal?
4. What time frame do you want to set?
5. Are you willing to change your lifestyle?
6. Are you going to make the right eating changes?
7. Do you have the right support from friends/family?
8. Do you have a trainer with the correct knowledge for you to learn how to achieve your goal?

Most people need help with their training goals, hell I have had coaches for the last 5 years and will continue to get help with my training. You need to be accountable for your goals and having someone there to hold you accountable is one of the best ways to achieve your goals.

Here is a list of my goals for the next 12 months. This won’t be easy but I will set the targets and time frames for each one. I will write down every training session that I do. Record how good or bad it went. Am I getting enough sleep and eating the right food? All these thing count and need to be recorded in order for you to progress and accomplish you Goals.

Compete in Weightlifting in 2014 (POINT B)
Back Squat 200kg in 12 – 14 months (Point B)
Get mobility and movement back after surgery
Get my sleep and diet back on track
Develop better gymnastic strength

As you can see I have two big goals but I need to develop the 3 smaller goals first in order for me to be able to attain the top two. Having goals will help to keep you motivated, focused but you need to understand that along the way you will achieve smaller but very important goals that help you to your end result.