Set SMART fitness goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic and Timeframe. Be specific such as "I want to lose 10 pounds" not "I want to lose some weight." Make goals measurable, for example losing one pound per week. Being accountable and tracking your progress in a journal can be very motivating. Be realistic and don't set your goals too lofty or you might not achieve them and get discouraged. Set a reasonable timeframe your goal and a firm completion date. By setting SMART fitness goals you will be more successful in achieving them.

Luke Geer, PT, DPT

The Memorial Hospital Physical Therapy Department