Whether you’re embarking on a new fitness transformation or a professional body builder, staying on top of your fitness goals can be a challenge for just about everyone. While setting a goal is an easy start, achieving it requires a detailed action plan. After all, you don’t gain a 6-pack just because you wrote it down as a goal. So how do you reach your fitness goal successfully? Here are a few tips:

Set a Clear Goal

It is imperative to have a clear goal that you want to achieve. When setting your goal, you should make it specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. For example, a goal to become a Professional Body Builder is too broad, it leaves you with no action steps or guidelines to achieve it. Instead, a goal to compete in an amateur body building competition this year in order to qualify for a pro-level competition is clear and concise and allows you to map out a detailed plan on how to achieve the pro-status.

Track Your Progress

Now that you have a clear or S.M.A.R.T. goal established with a detailed plan, it’s time to keep track of your progress. Not only is it an efficient way to check the effectiveness of your workouts but it will also allow you to see what is working and what is deterring you from achieving your fitness goals. From there, you can alter your plan as needed.

Stay Hydrated

Just like a car needs gas to properly function, your body needs to be hydrated to perform at its highest state, especially when working out and training. Not only does water help flush and eliminate toxins from your body, it also replenishes your body from all the sweat you lost in the gym and helps you recover after your workout. As an additional source of hydration, you can even add some Redcon1 Breach or Grunt to your water to help maximize your performance while staying hydrated.

Rest & Recover

Your body will progress and develop only if you allow it to rest and recover. It is common knowledge that the body grows during sleep cycles. Therefore, it is recommended to strive for least 8 hours of shut eye. If you find  yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, check out Redcon1’s sleep formula Fade Out, which will help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Another thing to note is the possibility of overtraining. Many beginners in the gym tend to make this mistake as they head into the gym every day, believing that they can speed up the process of building muscle. Unfortunately, this can lead to many injuries and fatigue, all of which will deter you from achieving your overall fitness goals.

Be Patient

In order to be successful in bodybuilding or fitness in general, you need to be patient. It’s easy to get caught up in other’s progress and achievements, especially when you haven’t reached your own fitness goals. Remember, the process of body transformation is not something that occurs overnight. Leave your ego at the door and be patient. And during those times, it important to stay realistic and to have realistic expectations and targets. That way you can ensure your success in the long term.

The Bottom Line

All in all, maintaining steady progress in the gym can be a complex task for many. Also, it can create many frustrations and disappointments. But, fortunately, it is something that can be easily avoided. And these tips will help push you to setting clear achievable goals that you can sustain for years on end.

Chris Hazen | @thechrishazen | thechrishazen@gmail.com