Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail

The quote from Alan Lakein is so true and can be applied to so many areas of health and fitness. No matter whether your goal is to drop a dress size or run the London Marathon, it's simple, "Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail"

Once you have identified what it is you need to achieve then its time to work out how to succeed.  Bear in mind that any goals you set yourself clearly need to be realistic and achievable within the constraints of your lifestyle!

I use the following checklist when coaching and training. Try using it to start to develop your own fitness or fat loss plan.
 
1. My current situation is:
What to include: How much time do you currently have to spend on your fat loss or fitness goal? What activities are you undertaking which contribute to this? Are these the most appropriate to help you meet your goals? What is stopping you doing more? What are your main constraints?

2. My Options are:
What to include: What changes could you make to help you achieve you goals? Do you need to change any of your activities? Can you find more time? Are you able to overcome any of your constraints?

3. Exercise Schedule:
List what exercise you will do and when. Include classes you will attend, online workouts and other clubs, activities or sport specific training. Make sure you transfer this information into your schedule and treat it as a commitment.

4. Healthy Eating Actions:
Include at least 3 actions you will take to eat more healthily. For example, to have a lunch style breakfast 4 days a week; to increase your water intake; to cook up some homemade soup.

Try making a detailed plan for the week ahead and a slightly less detailed one for the next month. I'd love to hear about your plans so if you want some feedback then post them up on my Facebook Page.