SMART Goals For the New Year

By La Plata Physical Therapy, Inc.

Entering a New Year often brings new resolutions and goals for the upcoming year. This often results in a health kick from the community, however people often find these changes unsustainable with approximately 80% of resolutions failing by the second week of February. If you are thinking of bettering yourself in the New Year, setting SMART goals may help. SMART an acronym that you can use to guide your goal setting. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

Annually, losing weight and getting in shape is one of the most popular resolutions. If you aim to improve your health and reduce your weight, it is best to avoid quick fix programs. Many people think of dieting as a drastic and rigid change, with a high risk of putting the pounds back on. What is more likely to succeed is gradual change, made in a much more sustainable way. When considering dietary changes, look for programs that are designed to offer a realistic approach that will teach you how to take control of your nutrition, alleviating hunger pains, crash dieting or the pressure of following strict plans. In your weight loss journey, it’s important to remember that a combination of diet and exercise is best at any stage of weight loss. Exercise is a healthy way to increase lean muscle mass, reduce fat and improve quality of life.

Physical therapists offer personalized diet and exercise programs to help achieve your goals, considering dietary restrictions and health complications. They aim to educate the community on how to properly make healthier choices. They work to provide health exercise programs along with educational resources that help our clients succeed whatever stage they are at in their health and wellness journey.

The path to achieving a healthier you requires dedication and diligence.