Setting Healthy Weight Loss Goals
When you’re starting out on a new fitness journey or weight loss program, setting goals is key.
When you know what results you’re aiming for, you’re going to be:
- More motivated to achieve them
- More targeted in your approach
- More dedicated to a long-term change
The most important thing with goals is that they’re achievable. You don’t want to overtrain and injure yourself, and they’re overall healthy.
When it comes to weight loss, this can be tricky. Lots of Instagram ads and dodgy websites will advertise training programs that can help you lose x amount of weight in x days. These aren’t necessarily healthy or correct approaches to this goal.
For example, a common myth is that it’s possible to lose fat in one specific area of your body. This is incorrect, as you can’t pick and choose where fat is lost from.
Let’s look at five tips to achieve your weight loss goals in the gym in a healthy and achievable way!
Define Your Goals
There are generally two ways of thinking about setting goals.
The first is process goals. For example, a process goal when you’re aiming to lose weight could be to aim to go to the gym three times every week, or walk for 30 minutes every day.
The other way is an outcome goal. This is when you plan for a set outcome from your fitness plan, for example, losing 10 pounds.
It’s up to you whether you set either one or the other, or both, types of goals. However, outcome goals can be misleading as they might be less achievable and lead to the development of unhealthy habits.
For example, if you are at a healthy weight but would like to set a weight loss goal, setting an outcome goal might not be the most effective. As you increase the amount you exercise, you’ll increase your muscle mass which might affect your weight, even though your appearance could be slimmer and more toned.
A big benefit of setting process goals is that these work towards forming healthy habits, which will ultimately only help you with your fitness goals. As well as with your health in general!
The best option for setting either goal, especially for weight loss, is to work with a PT to set goals that are suited to you.
At Beckwith Health Club, our PTs are certified professionals with years of experience. After discussing your goals with you, they’ll be able to provide you with a plan to work towards a specific goal. Tailored perfectly to you and your body! Check out our PTs here.
Set Yourself a Workout Plan
Not everyone is a planner, but when it comes to your weight loss goals, a workout plan is key! This involves the frequency, type, and intensity of your workouts.
If you’re starting out or don’t yet feel comfortable using all the gym equipment, you’ll gain a lot from booking a PT session. They’ll teach you the best exercises for your goals and for weight loss and give you an idea of your progression. How many reps are you starting with? What’s your starting weight, if you’ll be using one?
PTs are also good to learn new exercises safely. If you know you’re exercising without any risk of injuring yourself, you’ll be walking into the gym much more confidently!
Check out the workout guides on Beckwith’s website, such as this one for full-body workouts.
Consistency is Key
When it comes to working out in order to lose weight, consistency is everything. This is another reason why process goals are so important! Getting into the habit of going to the gym regularly, even when you’re not in the mood, will set you up for a healthy long-term.
For example, going to the gym regularly three times a week is more effective for your weight loss goals than having one good workout and then not going for 10 days.
Don’t Forget About Your Lifestyle!
Exercise is important but progress is just as well determined by your lifestyle.
Not getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, or eating enough nutrients will hinder the progress you’re making in the gym. The same logic applies in reverse! If you’re eating very well but not maintaining an active lifestyle, you won’t see the results you’re hoping for.
Check out some healthy eating guides on Beckwith’s website, such as this meal-prepping guide.
Incorporate Strength Training into Your Gym Sessions
Finally, have you considered incorporating strength training into your workout schedule?
It is a form of fitness training designed to improve muscular fitness by focusing the physical activity on a specific muscle group by exercising it against external resistance.
Strength training is excellent for building lean muscle, which is better for burning calories when your body is at rest. Hence, this is a great form of exercise to be trying out in order to achieve your weight loss goals. Learn more about it here.
Unsure if it’s for you? Then try it out in one of Beckwith’s many group exercise classes that incorporate strength training! Find the class schedule here.
Get in Touch!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for relevant updates on our opening hours and class schedules, as well as for more tips and tricks for your weight loss goals!
Check out our Personal Trainers’ profiles here, and be sure to schedule some time with them to talk about your fitness and weight loss plans.
