How often have you watched the Olympics or any other sporting event and marveled at what the human body can do, when trained properly? As a South Tampa personal trainer, of course, I'm always interested in seeing what someone can do when properly trained.

Athletes in the Olympics and those who play professional sports train for literally thousands of hours, typically in a way that is specific for their sport. As a South Tampa personal trainer, I know that they keep their eyes on that potential gold medal - or Super Bowl, or World Series - when they walk into their training facility. They're focused, determined, and motivated.

What about you? What is your goal?

Any South Tampa personal trainer will tell you that whether or not you realize it, you are training for a specific reason. It might not be that Olympic gold medal; it may be the goal of losing fifteen pounds. As a South Tampa personal trainer, I know that your goals are probably more reasonable than thinking you'll make it to the Super Bowl.

But whatever your goal, it needs to fit into why you exercise. Has your South Tampa personal trainer ever asked you why you exercise? Is it to lose weight? To lower your blood pressure? To be able to peel an orange without breaking a sweat?

If you've been working with a South Tampa personal trainer that hasn't asked about your goals, this is a problem. The first step toward accomplishing anything is understanding what you're trying to accomplish! This one act, of setting a goal, will help you to stay motivated.

But are your goals smart ? As a South Tampa personal trainer I can tell you that not all goals are what you would call smart!

Here are some considerations when it comes to working with a South Tampa personal trainer to create smart goals :

•  Be specific . You want to lose weight, but does that mean inches? Does it mean getting down to a particular size? Any South Tampa personal trainer will tell you that if you have a specific goal, it will be easier to reach.

•  Make it measurable . Your goals should be measurable. "Losing weight" isn't as measurable as a certain number of pounds, inches, or body fat percentage. A good South Tampa personal trainer will explain this to you.

•  Make it attainable. A good South Tampa personal trainer will tell you how important it is to make goals attainable. Chances are you won't lose fifty pounds this month; having unattainable goals is a surefire recipe for disappointment. If your overall goal seems very ambitious, break it down into smaller, more attainable goals. Your South Tampa personal trainer can help with this.

•  Make it realistic. This is part of making attainable goals. If you're not a morning person and hate the outdoors, don't think that your goals should include jogging before you go to work in the morning. Have realistic goals for yourself; and discuss them with your South Tampa personal trainer.

•  Make up a timeline and stick to it!

So how are your goals? As a South Tampa personal trainer I can help you set and attain those goals. I may not be able to get you to the Olympics, but I can help you to lose weight, build muscle, and reach your goals whatever they may be!