CrossFit Does Realism: Setting Goals for Crossfit Results

One of the primary reasons people fail to see the CrossFit results they expect is because they set unrealistic expectations. Applying the S.M.A.R.T. ideology to your training can help to remedy this.

An example of a S.M.A.R.T. goal would be:

"I want to increase my deadlift max by 5% by the end of next month." 

S.M.A.R.T. goals are those that are:

Specific — increase deadlift max

Measurable — increase max by 5%

Attainable — building from a baseline

Relevant — deadlifts improve overall fitness

Time-bound — end of next month

Another important goal-setting strategy is to outline incremental markers in pursuit of a more significant milestone. The S.M.A.R.T. goal above is short-term; plan additional steps for next month (and the next, and the next) that build on the results you're hoping to achieve now. 

We all know change doesn't happen overnight — but being realistic about what you hope to accomplish can have a drastic effect on how you perceive your successes. Whether you're trying to lose weight or uncover those six-pack abs, it can be wildly discouraging to feel like your progress has stagnated. But there's a good chance that you're just looking at your CrossFit results the wrong way. 

Biological functions drive fitness progress, so naturally, your transformation will follow a specific order of operations:

Read that again: fat loss and muscle gain are the last things to happen — yet so often we disparage ourselves if we can't see the changes externally. 

Instead of focusing on what the scale says or whether your abs are washboard enough, watch for results indicators like being able to lift heavier weights, complete more reps from one week to the next, or having more energy.