How Your Personal Trainer Can Help You Set SMART Goals

“What’s Your Why?”

This is one of the first questions we ask when you come in for an initial conversation at Limitless. The answer might seem simple – “I want to be healthy” or “I want to feel stronger”. But how do you set yourself up for success and make those goals a reality?

Often, when we decide we’re ready to make a change, we can clearly visualize the outcome—whether it’s building muscle, losing weight, or improving overall wellness. But many of us underestimate what it takes to get there. Broad or lofty goals can feel overwhelming, which might be why 92% of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-January. That doesn’t mean you should stop setting goals! It means we need better tools to help us stay on track.

That’s where SMART goals come in.

What are SMART goals?

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. These principles lay the foundation for setting effective goals and creating actionable plans.

  • Specific: A vague goal like “I want to be healthy” isn’t enough to guide your efforts. What does “healthy” mean to you? Is it losing 10 pounds, lowering your blood pressure, or improving your stamina during a workout? A more specific goal will make it easier to build a plan.

  • Measurable: You should have a way to measure your progress. For example, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds, tools like a scale or an InBody Body Composition scan (available here at the Limitless Fitness gym as a part of your contract) can help track your progress.

  • Achievable: Your goal should feel attainable. If you want to lose weight, do you know what a healthy weekly weight loss goal is? Do you have the right tools and resources, like guidance from a personal trainer near you, to help you succeed?

  • Relevant: Ask yourself: Why is this goal important to you? Understanding the deeper “why” behind your goal will keep you motivated when things get tough.

  • Time-based: Setting a deadline creates urgency and keeps you on track. For example, instead of saying “I want to lose 10 pounds,” say, “I want to lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks.” Having a clear timeline helps you stay focused and motivated.

How SMART Goals Keep You Moving Forward

As we kick off our Sustain the Change Challenge, this is the perfect time to reflect on your goals. Have they changed since you started training at our fitness studio in Seacoast NH? Or are you setting brand-new ones?

It’s important to remember that progress isn’t always linear. You’ll have highs and lows, wins and setbacks. Life happens! That’s why revisiting your “why” and resetting your goals a few times a year can re-energize your fitness journey and help you push beyond limits you thought you had.

Week 1 Challenge: Set Your SMART Goals With Your Personal Trainer

This week, take some time to chat with your personal trainer during your Limitless Fitness workout and discuss your goals. They can help you use the SMART framework to create a solid plan. Once you have your plan in place, write it down — studies show that people who write their goals are 50% more likely to achieve them than those who don’t.

And sharing your goals with someone can boost your chances of success even more! Research shows that having an accountability partner increases goal achievement by up to 65%. That’s why during Week 2 of Sustain the Change, we’ll challenge you to find an accountability buddy to keep you motivated and on track with your SMART goals!

Your goals are yours, and they should reflect what matters most to you. Whether it’s improving mobility, running your first 5K, or simply feeling stronger day-to-day, SMART goals can help you turn your aspirations into achievements.

Limitless Fitness