Ever since I began my career in the Fitness Industry I’ve always prided myself on going against the grid while ignoring most if not all conventional training wisdom, debunking dieting myths, and taking a big old shit on shitty supplement “science”.
Now by no means have I ever claimed that I know everything there is to know about building muscle and losing fat. And I’m not one to try and reinvent the wheel. However I see nothing wrong with challenging practices and methods that are either redundant, outdated, or just plain moronic at best.
With that being said, I regret to inform you all that I fucked up. And I fucked up really big. You see, for the past 20+ years I’ve been telling all my clients that it’s important to set goals. However not once have I ever questioned why it’s important to set these goals. And now that I think about, in my opinion, it’s really not that important to set any goals at all when it comes to your health and fitness.
Wait….What?!?!?!
Now I know what you’re thinking – “What type of trainer tells his clients NOT to set health and fitness goals?”
Well, moving forward, this type of trainer!!!
Kinda…..
Truth be told, there have been plenty of times in my own training career where I really didn’t have any health and fitness goals whatsoever. In fact, as I write this blog I have absolutely ZERO aspirations to increase the amount of weight I squat, add 2 inches to my biceps, or reduce my body fat levels any further.
On the contrary, I feel quite comfortable in my body right now and incredibly grateful for my health. I still enjoy training and don’t feel I need any added motivation/pressure to push myself in the gym by constantly setting new goals.
SMART Goals
For those of you that don’t know, “SMART Goals” stands for:
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic & Timely Goals.
Ugh, excuse me while I throw up on that overly caffeinated Spin Instructor’s Lululemon’s.
If you’re a Trainer like me, then you have been force-fed this idea since Day 1 that it’s important for all of your future clients to set “Smart Goals”. Fuck, there’s even a question in one of the PT Exams that asks us to define what “Smart Goals” means.
If I could go back in time, I would challenge that question now. Mind you, by challenging the system, I most likely would have failed the test, thus becoming unable to acquire my PT license. However now that I have my PT license and can only have it taken away if I choose not to renew it, I’m going to say it – The Hell With “SMART Goals”!!!!.
What’s Wrong With Being in Maintenance Mode?
Absolutely NOTHING!!! I have been in maintenance mode with my training and diet for the past 11 months. In fact, my New Years Resolution was to train less and eat more fun things. I’m kidding, I don’t make New Years Resolutions. However if I did, that would be one that I probably really should make.
Remember, being in maintenance mode does not have to mean quitting or giving up. To me, being in maintenance mode with my health and fitness simply means that I am able to maintain my current physical shape with ease without having to starve myself and perform endless hours of cardio. Being in maintenance mode to me means exercising 5-6 times a week without having to break new PR’s (Personal Records) in the gym. And being in maintenance mode with my health and fitness currently allows me to focus more on other components in my life that are in need of my attention, such as family and business.
Final Thought
I want to be clear when I say that I am not suggesting to not set goals in life. I do think it’s important to have goals, however I just don’t think it’s important to have goals all the time and with everything we do. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Yes, make some goals, but keep in mind that those goals should not be your sole purpose as to why you wake up each morning.
Goals change. We change. Life changes.
So don’t worry about putting yourself on maintenance mode every so often.
Yours in Good Health,
Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance