19 Feb Small goals can add up to big results

When it comes to working our and exercising, setting goals is important whether you’re a beginner or have been at it for many years.
Without clearly established fitness goals you won’t have a clear idea where you’re headed and you’ll lose out on a valuable motivational tool as well.
Many people exercise without even thinking of long-term goals, but these can serve as an excellent motivational tool.
Long-term goals could include things like losing 20 or more pounds, fitting into a favorite old pair of jeans, getting your blood pressure or cholesterol reduced, running a 5K race or completing a long hiking trail.
To get to those goals it will help you to also set short-term objectives, which can add up to big things over time.
Some good short-term goals include:
* Cut down on eating fast food (limit it to just once a week)
* Eat smaller portions
* Absolutely quit drinking soda pop
* Absolutely quit smoking, and try to limit alcohol consumption
* Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water
* Exercise at least 3-4 times a week (note: don’t overdo it, especially early on. The body will be sore and you need time to recover)
* Regularly get cardio workouts, such as brisk walking outside or on a treadmill and-or elliptical machine
* Lose 5-10 pounds
* Build endurance, flexibility and strength
* Improve your physical skills in a sport or weightlifting activity
* Make noticeable improvements in your physical appearance
* Find a workout buddy
* Keep a fitness log
If you do even a few of these things, they will add up to big results in the long run.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com