Why exercise? The reason we do this is because of the associated benefits we attach to the word exercise. These associated benefits include improved muscle tone, effective weight management, decrease in body fat, improved gains in strength etc…

It's a proven fact that exercise combined with a healthy diet can have massive benefits in our overall health and wellbeing. So why aren't more of us exercising especially given the potentially huge benefits that can be gained by doing so. The reason is most people do not set goals, simple as that. If you have no set goals, how do you know where you are going with your exercise program, when you have no end target in mind.

So you need to set goals to have something to aim for. But how are you going to get to that end target and importantly get yourself started in the first place? This is where a motivation must come in. It may be health related or it may include a big event such as a wedding, reunion, or even a friendly competition. Whatever your motive is, think about it long and hard, and think about the feeling you will have once you achieve whatever it is you want to accomplish.

Setting Your Goals…

It is hard to hit a goal when you do not know where the target is! That is why goal setting is crucial in achieving victory. You want to set short term and long term goals. Setting a long term goal by itself is not smart. This is like driving to a foreign destination with no map or guidelines to help you along the way. Try setting a short term goal to be reached every three to six weeks. By doing so, you are allowing necessary adjustments to be made if needed. This fuels the motivation and will keep you on the track to success. The long term goal is your ultimate motive that you have already visualized, it is your climax, it is not however the end. Once you have achieved it you will need to re-evaluate your situation and set new goals. This is allows a never-ending process of achieving your personal goals.

So How Do We Get There?

Which way is fast and most efficient? This is the most important question we ask ourselves in the beginning, however this question should be asked each time a short term goal is reached to prepare for the next. We all have different goals, physical capabilities and lifestyles. There is no "one size fits all" workout program!

Once we manage to begin an exercise program, we must then keep in mind that our bodies will adapt to that program within four to six weeks time. When this happens our bodies will then become stagnant in producing results. It is extremely important that we cover many avenues in fitness so that hitting plateaus can be prevented. This includes changing the number of sets, repetitions, the amount of intensity (resistance), the amount of rest time among sets and workouts. Changing the types of exercises performed must also be done over time.

This produces variety in your exercising, but also means that boredom is less likely to be a problem. Remember; workout time is supposed to be fun, which can make reaching your goals thrilling and exciting. This feeling helps in motivating you to your next goal!