If you’re already working out—or thinking about starting—you obviously have fitness goals. Measuring fitness progress is essential to stay motivated and ensure you’re on the right path. Here, we provide four simple steps to help you track your fitness journey effectively.
Step 1: Set Specific Goals
To accurately measure fitness progress, you must set very specific goals. The most crucial aspect is that the goal should be important to you. Avoid setting goals based on what you think you should do or what someone else has achieved. Focus on your personal aspirations by asking yourself:
- What do I want to achieve?
- Why is that important to me?
- How will I feel when I achieve my goal?
Your goal might be to lose weight, gain muscle, reduce body fat, or improve strength and endurance. Attach a realistic number and timeframe to your goal, such as, “I want to lose 20 lb. by the end of 2024,” or “I want to do 10 push-ups without stopping in four months.”
If you struggle to define specific goals, consider consulting a coach to help set a reasonable, time-bound objective that keeps you motivated.
Step 2: Measure Your Starting Point
Understanding your starting point is crucial in measuring fitness progress. This can be as simple as stepping on the scale or noting how many push-ups you can currently do. Documenting your starting point provides a baseline from which you can track your improvement.
For example, if your goal is to train three times a week, start by logging: “April 1: I have succeeded in working out once a week for a month.”
Step 3: Make a Plan
With your goal and starting point identified, the next step is to create a plan to get from Point A to Point B. Your plan should include actionable steps that will drive you forward.
This phase can be challenging—how do you lose 20 lb. or gain the strength to do 10 push-ups? If you’re not a fitness expert, crafting a plan can feel overwhelming, and many people give up at this point.
This is where we can assist. We specialize in developing effective fitness plans tailored to your goals. We can advise you on workout frequency, specific exercises, and strategies to accelerate your progress.
Step 4: Track Progress and Adjust the Plan
Once you have a plan, it’s essential to track your workouts and tick off the steps in your plan. You can use an app, a spreadsheet, or a notebook for this purpose. Tracking ensures you can look back and see steady progress, providing motivation and satisfaction from completed workouts.
Every 90 days, review your progress and adjust your plan to continue advancing. Many people falter here, either by sticking to an ineffective routine or not knowing how to adapt their plan when progress stalls.
We can help with this too.
We meet with clients every 90 days to review their progress and tweak their plans to keep them moving forward. When clients reach their goals, we celebrate their success and set new targets.
Need a Plan? Join Us at Amoskeag Fitness in Concord!
Are you ready to measure your fitness progress and achieve your goals? At Amoskeag Fitness in Concord, we’re dedicated to helping you succeed. Our expert coaches are here to create personalized fitness plans, provide ongoing support, and adjust your workouts as needed to keep you on track.
Visit our gym or contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s start your journey to a healthier, fitter you!
FAQs on Measuring Fitness Progress
How often should I measure my fitness progress?
It’s best to assess your progress every 90 days to allow sufficient time for noticeable changes and to make necessary adjustments to your plan.
What tools can I use to track my fitness progress?
You can use fitness apps, spreadsheets, or a simple notebook to log your workouts, diet, and any other relevant metrics.
What should I do if I stop making progress?
If you hit a plateau, reassess your current plan and make adjustments. Consider changing your workout routine, diet, or consulting a fitness coach for new strategies.
How can I stay motivated while measuring fitness progress?
Setting short-term milestones, celebrating small victories, and regularly reviewing your progress can keep you motivated. Additionally, having a workout buddy or coach can provide support and accountability.
Is it necessary to hire a fitness coach to measure progress?
While not necessary, a fitness coach can provide personalized guidance, help set realistic goals, and adjust your plan based on your progress, making it easier to achieve your fitness objectives.