Losing weight requires more than just showing up to the gym every so often. A specific plan of action is necessary to achieve the results you’re looking for. When it comes to your individual weight loss goals, think SMART! By setting these SMART goals, you’ll have both the long-term vision and the short-term motivation you need to get over those weight loss hurdles! To help you on your weight loss journey, we’ve put together this guide to setting SMART weight loss goals:
What Are SMART Weight Loss Goals?
SMART is an acronym for weight loss goals that are: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. These are clear and concrete goals that include a specific plan for achieving them. This type of goal-setting helps to keep us motivated while on the path to weight loss! Continue reading as we discuss each of these aspects:
Specific: Set goals that are as specific as possible. Ask yourself “What will I do?” and “How will I do it?” Instead of saying, “I will work out today,” you would say something like “I will ride my bike for 45 minutes today.” This adds a layer of accountability that helps keep you motivated to lose weight!
Measurable: Keep track of your goals and progress to know if you’re reaching them. Using concrete numbers for things like duration, amount and frequency makes it easier to hold yourself accountable. Being able to see your progress is just further motivation to keep going!
Attainable: Short-term goals should be ones that are achievable in a reasonable time frame. These goals should be challenging but certainly not impossible. Focus on losing 5 pounds in a month rather than 30 pounds over 6 months. This focus on the short-term is easier to maintain over the long run, rather than getting discouraged with the big picture.
Relevant: A relevant SMART goal supports what you want for your life. These goals should align with your “why” – why you want to lose weight. For us to stay on track and inspired, our goals should support exactly what it is we want. Be clear on exactly how you plan to achieve these goals, ultimately helping you reach your long-term goals.
Timely: SMART weight loss goals should have a timeframe that creates a practical sense of urgency. Have a deadline for your goals, helping you to stay on track, and monitor the progress you’ve made. Having a realistic time frame to meet your goals helps get you closer to achieving them. See what is working and what isn’t and adjust accordingly.
Examples of SMART Goals
SMART weight loss goals come in a variety of forms. Here are a few examples to get you started:
- Biking 30 minutes a day after dinner for a week.
- Meditating 10 minutes a day 5 days a week for a month.
- Losing 3% body fat in one month through diet and exercise.
- Running 3 miles a day 3 times a week for 2 weeks.
- Replacing sodas with water for lunch and dinner for 4 weeks.
- Completing 15 pushups each morning for one month.
- Using strength equipment at the gym for 20 minutes a day 4 times a week for one month.
EZ-Lean: A Weight Loss Ally
You’re all up to speed on setting SMART weight loss goals! Woven is here to help you along the journey to weight loss! Learn more about us and our mission to provide solutions that go beyond the conventional!