SMART goals

SMART goals are specific, measurable targets with a time frame that turn a vague wish into something a trainer can help a client reach.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 144.},^{2International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 137.} The letters vary by source, but the shared principles are to state what the client will do, attach a number, keep it within reach and set a time frame.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 144.},^{2International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 137.} For example, “going to the gym” becomes riding a stationary bike for 30 minutes and completing a strength routine three times a week.^{3International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 138.}

Goals change exercise behavior best when the trainer helps the client set, monitor and adjust them, with regular feedback.^{4Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 996.}

In practice

• Give new clients achievable process goals, such as attending three times a week for the first two weeks; early successes build self-efficacy.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 144.}
• Check that the client believes the goal is attainable, then explain what’s involved or adjust the target if needed.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 144.}
• If the list is long, choose the three most important goals, rank them and give each a date.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 144.}
• Let the client choose the goal while the trainer guides the details.^{4Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 996.}

Where sources differ

The NSCA expands SMART as specific, measurable, action oriented, realistic and time bound.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 144.} The IPTA textbook uses attainable and relevant in place of action oriented and realistic.^{2International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 137.} ACSM uses SMARTS, adding self-determined: goals developed mainly by the client.^{4Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 996.}