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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Goal Setting in Exercise and Physical Activity: An Expert Statement on Behalf of Exercise and Sports Science Australia
Sports medicine, Vol.First online
08/01/2026
PMID: 41507513
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Goal setting is one of the most commonly used strategies for increasing exercise and physical activity, and is a core aspect of the scope of practice for many exercise and health practitioners. Despite its widespread use, recent research has highlighted a need to reconsider traditional practice and re-evaluate the theoretical and empirical basis of goal setting in exercise and physical activity promotion. The issues identified in traditional approaches to goal setting in exercise and physical activity include oversimplification, misapplication of theory and over-reliance on the SMART acronym (e.g., Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound goals) rather than more rigorous evidence-based approaches. Therefore, this expert statement, on behalf of Exercise and Sports Science Australia, reviews theory and empirical evidence on goal setting, and provides practical recommendations for exercise and health practitioners when supporting clients to set goals. To move beyond the issues highlighted in traditional approaches to goal setting, it is necessary to go 'back to basics' and consider the foundations of goal setting. In turn, we outline: the goal-setting process; the structure of goals; moderating factors that determine whether/when certain types of goal should be set; and outcomes of goals, including risks and pitfalls. We provide corresponding practical recommendations to assist exercise and health practitioners in setting goals with clients. This expert statement seeks to help practitioners avoid the issues highlighted in traditional approaches to goal setting in exercise and physical activity, and set more suitable and evidence-based goals with clients instead.
Details
- Title
- Goal Setting in Exercise and Physical Activity: An Expert Statement on Behalf of Exercise and Sports Science Australia
- Creators
- Christian Swann - Southern Cross UniversityJena Buchan - Southern Cross UniversityElizabeth A Calleja - National Heart Foundation of AustraliaScott G Goddard - Southern Cross UniversityMelanie M Clarke - Southern Cross UniversityRebecca M Hawkins - University of LincolnPatricia C Jackman - University of LincolnMatthew J Schweickle - University of WollongongStewart A Vella - University of WollongongSimon Rosenbaum - UNSW Sydney
- Publication Details
- Sports medicine, Vol.First online
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 18
- Identifiers
- 991013343690902368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2026.
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article