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GOALS
Now that you're motivated to get started, what exactly
would you like to
accomplish with workouts? Do you want to loose a few pounds?
How
about gain 5 lbs of muscle? - Or gain 25 lbs of muscle? Would
you like to
have very little body fat to the point where even your veins pop out?
How
about just being able to bench press 100 lbs comfortably?
As you can see, you first have to figure out what your goals are with
regards to weightlifting. As always, a good rule of thumb is moderation,
especially when you are just starting out. After a few months of
successful
training and reaching your first set of goals, then you can create new
ones
which take you to even more impressive goals.
Every person has a different physique, metabolism, stamina, and mind
set. As expected, goals vary widely from person to person.
Here are a
few goals which I've always thought were of interest:
Goals for Novices
The most common set of goals I've encountered from people who are just
starting to exercise are:
Start Exercising Regularly
Loose 10 Pounds
Gain 10 Pounds
Look Better
Feel Better
Look Good in a Bathing Suit
These are all applaudable goals, as well as reachable. The key to
achieving these goals is to start exercising and pay attention to nutrition.
To do that, figure out how much time you will be able to spend exercising,
what changes you need to make to your diet, and where you'll be
exercising. Once you've figured these things out, then you
can get started
on achieving your goals. Please take the time to consult with your
doctor,
personal trainer, or gym instructor as to what goals to pursue, what
exercise and diet routine you should follow, and proper use of exercise
equipment.
Goals for Improvement
At some point, people change their goals from just "looking better" to
"I
want rock-solid muscles with little body fat". This, too, is achievable.
However, goals such as these require dedication and knowledge of how
to get there. Here are some of these more specific goals:
Gain 10 lbs of lean muscle mass in 6 months
Achieve 7% body fat in 12 weeks
Bench press 200 lbs
Drink 16 cups of water per day
Really Tough Goals
What are goals for some die-hard, 250 lbs weightlifters? For some,
it's to
work out at the gym 6 days a week, 5 hours per day. For others, it's
to win
the Strongest Man competition. These types of goals are for people
who
have worked out for a long time and know their potential.
What to do With Your Goals
Regardless of your goals, it's important to think them through and develop
a game plan. Write down your goals. Talk to others who have
experienced similar goals. Try and find out what to expect ahead
of time.
While you want to dedicate yourself to achieving your goals, don't be so
inflexible that you cannot change them. If you know that your goal
is
impossible, then be honest with yourself and come up with a goal that is
achievable, yet improves your body. Regularly keep track of
your goals.
Keep them handy. Look them over all the time.
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