The absence of a clearly defined goal is perhaps the largest limiting factor in an individual's fitness routine. Now, there are some individuals who may be in a maintenance phase due to achieving their desired fitness level. I am certain this is not the case with many.
Goals are the foundation for success in other important aspects of our lives such as work and family. So, why do some not apply the same mentality to their health and fitness? I pose this question as we approach a new year. This is often the time that people reassess the previous year and set resolutions for the new year. What better time to set a goal for improved health and fitness! Here are some steps to successful goal-setting:
Walk into the gym each day with a purpose and mission. Eat to support your goals. Your results will improve drastically! Here are some great quotes:
The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else. - Lawrence J. Peter
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll end up among the stars. - Les Brown
If you bored with life -- you don't get up every morning with a burning desire to do things -- you don't have enough goals. - Lou Holtz
Goals determine what you are going to be. - Julius Erving
Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them. - Denis Watley
A multivitamin will provide you with necessary vitamins and minerals. Essential fatty acids, particularly fish oil, will provide many benefits including boosting metabolism and preventing cardiovascular disease (see article section). A protein supplement can help you achieve adequate protein intake to recover from intense training. The general rule of thumb for building muscle is consuming at least 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight. A protein supplement can help you achieve that total. Drink at least one gallon of water daily.
The Intermediate Package
Branch Chained Amino Acids and Glutamine not only prevent muscle breakdown, but aid in recovery and promote growth as well. Higher doses around workout time are beneficial, especially for those dieting and training hard. Creatine can boost ATP production and yield greater strength and endurance.
L-Carnitine and Green Tea can burn fat as well as provide many other health benefits. L-Carnitine enhances fat oxidation and cellular metabolization, is a potent antioxidant, can improve cognitive function and provide cardiovascular benefits. Green Tea extracts can stimulate thermogenesis to burn fat and also curb appetite. Green tea is also a potent antioxidant and can stimulate the immune system.

