​How to create a Smart Fitness Resolution out of the prior example:
"Get back in shape"  What does getting back in shape look like to you?

Specific: I want to build strength and improve my aerobic endurance. Specifically, I want to improve lower body strength, upper body strength, and core strength. I will measure improvement in my lower body strength via testing 5RM Back Squat. I will measure Upper Body Strength via 5RM Bench Press and Max Weighted Pull Up Reps. I will measure improvement in aerobic endurance via improving my 1 mile time, 2 mile time, and 5 mile time. 

Measurable: Every single one of those assessments is extremely measurable and easy to measure. Though to gauge effectiveness one would need to consider a time component which comes later. 

Action Oriented: In order to improve lower body strength, I will perform a 2x / week Back Squat strength program using progressive overload as the general principle to help build strength. In order to improve upper body strength, I will perform a Bench Press and Pull Up oriented strength program. I will perform bench press 2x / week, pull ups 3x / week, and other accessory arm exercises 2x per week. In order to improve my aerobic endurance, I will do a program consisting of steady state and interval training designed to improve running time in 1 mile, 2 mile, and 5 mile runs.

Realistic: Improvement in Back Squat, Bench Press, Pull Ups, and a concurrent increase in running speed are all very possible in a very high % of people. How much improvement is where this consideration gets individualized and tricky. A 4:00 1 Mile time may indeed be unrealistic for many. A 100 pound increase in back squat may be unrealistic for one person, it may be well within reason for a different individual. You have to know yourself and scale goals as you progress. 

Time Constrained: You have to set time constraints that are broken up into the year, several months, 1 month, and weeks. 
Monthly Example: I will set a baseline test for every strength measurement, and put 5 - 15#'s on my Back Squat the first month, I will put 5 - 10#'s on my bench press the first month. I will increase my max rep pull ups by 2 - 3 reps this month. I will set a baseline for all my running events, and proceed to shave off :30 off my 1 mile run time within the first month, and to shave 1:00 off my 2 mile run time within the first month. My goal is to just complete 2 5 mile runs within the first month. 

What about the 5 W's and the H?
Who: check
What: We addressed what through selecting several specific, quantifiable metrics that will measurably and demonstrably improve strength and fitness.
When: We broke the year down into cycles, yearly, 3 month blocks, 1 month blocks, and week blocks. Otherwise known as the first steps to periodization. 
Where: We have not addressed this, I will perform my upper and lower body strength training program in my garage gym, or at Gold's gym (As example) and I will perform my aerobic training on the road near my house, at LAHS Track, or indoor, preferably on an AirRunner treadmill if available. 
Why: What we haven't done yet is determine why? Some examples: 

Logical reasons: Improve strength - higher capacity and preparation for physical activity in life - improve bone density - improve resistance to injury - improve heart health - reduce chance of cardiovascular and metabolic disease - lose body fat - build muscle - look better - feel better - more energy - not getting exhausted from walking up a flight of stairs - 

Emotional reasons: setting example for family and kids. adding years to quality of life so as I age, I can continue being active with kids and grandkids and avoid preventable disease. I've always wanted to be fit and I owe it to myself to be what I imagined. I want to stay in shape for my husband or wife. I want to stay in shape for myself. I want to be physically prepared to save myself, my family, or friends in any situation. I don't want to be the person that couldn't make it. I don't want to be weaker and in worse shape than a competitor. I want to build confidence, self-efficacy, and I want to be strong. I don't want to be weak and unfit, unable to keep up with my kids and unable to defend myself. I don't want to be a couch potato, and I don't want to be an out of shape person. My physical shape is a direct result of the shape of my brain. If my thoughts are strong and fit, my body will be strong and fit. If my mind is weak and lazy, my body will be weak and lazy. Do I want to be strong and fit or weak and lazy? 

How: This was already addressed via making everything specific, measurable, and time constrained. Cool huh. 

Remember, logic and emotions on their own fail, you need to use them as a team. When one isn't working, the other one covers. Use them as a team.

With all that in mind, especially with a very powerful Why, all you need is consistency and perseverance. Consistency and perseverance are far more likely to win over apathy when you have a powerful why, specific, achievable, and time-constrained goals. Goals that you really believe will result in what you want.

You have a fantastic opportunity right now, this instant, to change for the better. Take advantage, don't let yourself down. GET TO IT.

So the latest investment in the gym is the Rogue RML 3W Squat Rack. It's a rack that folds into itself when not in use, this means you can have all the stability of a high quality rack, while saving space when you are not using it. I like things that are versatile and modular, and this fits that description. This rack also comes with an attachable pull-up bar, so I have not only 2 Squat Stations now but also 2 Pull Up Bars :) 

This banner will tkae you straight to this Rogue Rack. Click through my affiliate link to support my business :)

Step 1. Check Dimensions of product online - Get your measuring tape and measure if it will fit - Find and mark studs that you may want to use. 

Step 2.  Unbox - Read Directions - Pencil - Measuring Tape - Level - Measure again - Mark studs - Mark precisely where you want stringers

Step 3.  Get out Ratchet, Sockets, Wrenches, or Adjustable Wrenches, and Attach Brackets to the Stringers using supplied Hardware

 Step 4. Now that the stringers are ready - and where precisely they will be placed has been marked - get out your drill. 
If you have a partner (i did not) have them hold up the stringer against the wall precisely where you want it, and begin marking your drill points for the pilot holes. This is really a 2 person job, but I was too impatient to wait and I knew I could do it myself. 

Once you have those, set the stringer down, pick a corner, drill the pilot hole, and then pick a corner on the opposite side, and drill the pilot hole there as well, then set the stringer back up on the wall where it goes, and start screwing in the lag screws with a ratchet and socket set, a wrench, or impact wrench - once they are snug, the stringer will be secure enough that you no longer have to hold it. Once you've got one stringer mounted up, then mount the other stringer. Make sure they are the correct distance apart and that they are plum and level!! Once this is done, install the rest of the lag screws :)

Step 5. Once the stringers are secured, you take the rack crossmembers, (the arms that pivot and fold) and secure them to the brackets that we already mounted on the stringers using the supplied hardware. Lock the arms in position perpendicular from the wall. 

Step 6. Take the uprights, and mount them to the crossmembers/arms using the supplied hardware :) This is DEFINITELY a 2 person job - you do not want a 90" upright accidentally falling on anyone or anything, I can assure you that. This DID NOT happen but the potential is very bad so do not be careless. I was not able to get pictures of this part of the process, but below are the uprights. Be careful to ensure that at least one of the uprights touches the floor when it is in the perpendicular position - this means you have to be precise with the position in which you mount the uprights to the crossmembers. The crossmembers have an inch or two of play up or down in the design, and you can also move the uprights up or down in order to ensure that this happens - it is an intelligent design that allows for a high likelihood that you can achieve this, even if your measurements were slightly off. 

If your floor is not perfectly level, but your stringers and rack are perfectly level, you may find yourself in a situation where only one side touches the floor, adjust the height of the flooring or measure and cut a wood wedge to slide under the upright so you can achieve support for both sides. This will take stress off the wall. Installed correctly, this is an amazingly sturdy unit :)

 Step 7. Attach Pull Up Bar with supplied Hitch Pins, and attach the J-hooks so you can start lifting!