EXERCISE GOALS: HAVE SOME PATIENCE!
Dateline: 05/11/98
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Exercise Goals: Have Some Patience!
I have seen or heard of many people who slack off or quit their fitness routine because they don't see quick results. They think that nothing is working, so why bother. Many problems begin with setting goals too high.
An example of a goal set too high would be wanting to lose thirty pounds in two months. It is said that 2 to 2 1/2 pounds of weight loss per week is safe. 2.5 pounds x 8 weeks equals twenty pounds. Once this person comes to the end of two months, they are going to be really discouraged. A more practical goal would be to lose ten pounds in two months. This goal is more attainable and safer. If you were incorporating weightlifting with your program, a percentage of body fat to lose in two months would be more appropriate as muscle weighs more than fat. You could gain two pounds, but actually lose some body fat.
Another example would be to set a goal of increasing your bench press from 180 pounds to 250 pounds. Even on creatine, this would be quite a feat. A more practical goal would be to increase your bench press to 200 pounds. After you have reached this goal, you can set another one.
Basically, you should have short-term goals that are practical and more feasible. Once you reach your goal, set another one. This will be better for you physically and mentally. You will stick with your program and be a healthier person because of it. As a high school junior, I was 6'9" and 215 pounds. Today, I am 6'11", 250 pounds and 8% body fat. I didn't reach those numbers in a year to two. I reached that weight and lean body composition in over eight years. I stuck with it, and I only have fifteen more pounds of muscle to put on my frame. I am going to stick with it, and so should you!
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