What is a common method for setting personal training goals?

The correct choice highlights the SMART criteria, which are integral to effective goal-setting in personal training. This method emphasizes the importance of creating goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

A specific goal clearly defines what you want to accomplish, removing ambiguity. Making it measurable allows for tracking progress and determining success. The achievable aspect ensures that the goals set are realistic and can be accomplished given the individual’s current abilities and resources. Relevance ties the goals to the individual's personal aspirations or health improvements, ensuring they are meaningful. Finally, incorporating a time-bound aspect helps establish a deadline, which promotes accountability and motivates action within a designated timeframe.

While other methods like the FITT principle provide a framework for designing exercise programs, and the PACE method emphasizes regular assessment and adjustment, they do not focus as thoroughly on defining the actual goals. The A-B-C method lacks the specificity and clarity in its structure compared to SMART. Each of these alternatives serves a purpose, but the SMART criteria stand out as the most comprehensive framework for establishing clear and effective personal training goals.