How to set your fitness goals for 2018 if you still haven't started

Staying fit is probably the world's most popular and most failed New Year's resolution.

Staying fit is probably the world's most popular New Year's resolution. But it is also probably the New Year's resolution that is the toughest to accomplish and the most prone to failure.

Arushi Verma, co-founder, FITPASS, offers simple tips that will help you stay motivated.

Be specific
Getting healthy and fit is a vague goal. So, be specific if you want to lose weight/inches or you want to gain weight depending on your BMI or you want to bulk up i.e., strengthen your muscles and core.

Measurable
Sometimes, adding a number is all you need to achieve your goal with dedication. So, if you want to lose or gain weight, define how much.

Attainable
While adding a number, one should keep in mind that getting and staying fit requires a lot of effort, so it's good to take baby steps in the beginning. The key to achieving any long-term goal is to first start with achieving short-term goals in the same path.

Relevant
Set goals depending upon where you are in your life. Your friend might be able to do loads of gym training, but that does not mean you can too. Every 'body' is different; every 'body' has its uniqueness and limitations. Set goals depending upon what you and your body can take.

Time bound
Opting for a healthy lifestyle takes time and effort, but your goals of getting and staying fit should include a deadline too. While setting your goal, you must keep in mind the specifications of it. 'For instance, if you want to lose weight and you are just starting, with proper diet and exercise losing 5 kg in 30 days makes sense,' Verma says.

Regular short-term goals
If you are not sure you can achieve goals monthly, start with goals on regular basis like taking a walk every day for 30 minutes or drinking minimum 3 litres of water every day. These short-term goals go a long way in achieving your long term goals.