Research indicates people who set goals have better results than those who simply want to "do better." However, to get the most benefit, it's essential to set effective goals. Here are some tips for setting goals you can actually achieve at your gym in Las Vegas:

Decide What Type of Goal Fits Your Situation
Goals come with different durations for how long it will take to achieve the goal. Some goals are lifetime goals (like maintaining a specific weight), others are long-term and others are short-term. Decide what goal length fits your current situation. If your ultimate goal is long-term or a lifetime goal, you may want to set short-term goals to help you achieve your ultimate goal.

For example, assume your ultimate goal is to lose 100 pounds and maintain that weight loss. To reach this goal, you might set a short-term goal of losing 5 pounds every couple of months. 

Be Realistic with the Number of Goals You Set
Sometimes, it’s necessary to have multiple goals at once. However, you don't want to have so many goals that you find them overwhelming. Conversely, you don't want to have too few goals, or it might leave you without the direction you need to reach your long-term goals.

In the previous example of losing and maintaining a 100-pound weight loss, you might make the following goals to help you work towards your ultimate goal:

• Track your diet every day for six months
• Create a weekly calorie deficit for six months
• Workout 3 times a week at your gym in Las Vegas for six months
• Eat 5 servings of vegetables daily for six months
• Lose 1 pound every two weeks

Create SMART Goals
Great goals should follow the SMART guidelines. This principle states goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

• Specific means the goal should be as clear as possible, so you know what you're trying to achieve. 
• Measurable means you need to have some method of measuring your progress toward the goal. When you pledge to workout at a gym in Las Vegas, you need to attach a number of days or workouts to your goal.
• Achievable means your goal needs to be practical for your schedule and lifestyle. It's simply not realistic to lose 30 pounds in a month or exercise every day at a gym in Las Vegas if you have a full schedule. 
• Relevant refers to the fact that the goal should be meaningful to you. Don't set goals you don't care about. For example, don't make running a marathon a goal if you hate running and have no desire to start running
• Time-bound means you have a specific period for meeting the goal. You can use this principle to help long-term or lifetime goals feel less daunting. 

Do you have fitness goals that you want to achieve? The Y offers an assortment of fitness classes suited for every fitness level, goals and schedule. Let us help you achieve all your 2020 goals. Stop by any of our 4 locations or visit us online at www.lasvegasymca.org to register for a membership to our gym in Las Vegas.