“What can be measured can be managed.”  This quote by Peter Drucker is most often used in the business world but can easily be applied to health and fitness goals.  Because, let’s face it, in order to get fitter, faster, or healthier, you need to know where you’re starting before you know where to go.

Let’s take your fitness goals.

Say your goal is to build up your core strength and easily hold a plank for a minute

Your first step is to set a timer and get into a plank.  When you drop out of your plank at say 18 seconds, record that time.

Your next step would be to craft a plan that would help you achieve your goal.  For example, practice your planks three times a week starting at 15 seconds and adding time every week.  It’s helpful to have a time stamp on this goal, so you have urgency to reach it.

Then follow the plan.  Do your planks, record your time.  See how the duration increases.  Notice that as you progress, the discomfort you felt at 10 seconds, 15 seconds or 18 seconds starts to decrease as you get stronger.  And before you know it, you’re at a minute.

This methodology can be applied to running, climbing the Dipsea stairs, swimming laps weight loss, etc.

The trick, according to experts is to view the data as just that, data.  Take any emotion out of it (I can’t believe I’m so out of shape), record it, set a goal, plan your approach and get it done.

Now go run!

Keli 🙂