How can you ensure that your functional training peers have a shared goal?

1 Communicate clearly

The first step to ensuring that your functional training peers have a shared goal is to communicate clearly with them. Discuss your individual and collective expectations, motivations, and challenges. Find out what they want to get out of the functional training sessions, and how they prefer to learn and interact. Be respectful, honest, and supportive of each other's opinions and feedback. Communication is key to building trust and rapport among your functional training peers.

2 Set a SMART goal

The second step to ensuring that your functional training peers have a shared goal is to set a SMART goal. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. A SMART goal is a clear and realistic statement of what you want to accomplish as a group, and how you will measure your progress and success. For example, a SMART goal could be: "We will improve our core strength and stability by performing 10 different functional exercises for 15 minutes each, three times a week, for the next four weeks."

3 Plan and prepare

The third step to ensuring that your functional training peers have a shared goal is to plan and prepare for the functional training sessions. As a group, decide on the best time, place, and format for the sessions. Choose the functional exercises that suit your goal, level, and equipment. Assign roles and responsibilities to each peer, such as leading, demonstrating, coaching, or monitoring. Make sure you have all the necessary materials and resources, such as mats, bands, balls, or videos. Planning and preparing will help you avoid confusion and frustration during the sessions.

4 Execute and evaluate

The fourth step to ensuring that your functional training peers have a shared goal is to execute and evaluate the functional training sessions. Follow the plan and perform the functional exercises with proper form, intensity, and safety. Encourage and motivate each other, and provide constructive feedback and suggestions. Monitor your performance and results, and track your progress toward the goal. Celebrate your achievements and learn from your mistakes. Executing and evaluating will help you improve your skills and confidence as a group.

5 Adjust and adapt

The fifth step to ensuring that your functional training peers have a shared goal is to adjust and adapt to the changing circumstances and needs. Be flexible and open-minded, and listen to each other's concerns and ideas. Review your goal and plan regularly, and make changes if necessary. For example, you may need to modify the exercises, increase or decrease the difficulty, or switch the roles. Adjusting and adapting will help you overcome challenges and keep your functional training sessions fun and engaging.

6 Enjoy and appreciate

The sixth and final step to ensuring that your functional training peers have a shared goal is to enjoy and appreciate the functional training experience. Remember that functional training is not only about improving your physical fitness, but also about enhancing your mental and social well-being. Enjoy the benefits of functional training, such as increased energy, mobility, and functionality. Appreciate the support and camaraderie of your functional training peers, and acknowledge their efforts and contributions. Enjoying and appreciating will help you sustain your functional training habit and friendship.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?