Health experts say a successful workout program is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical challenge.

Personal trainers at Broadmoor Fitness at Hansen Park in Kennewick say setting small goals every few weeks will help you achieve long term success.

Reporter Brian Brennan set out to lose 20 pounds in 3 months. To accomplish this goal Personal Trainer Shayne Smith set Brian up with a program to measure his progress about every three weeks.

"It's going to take you awhile. So you need things along the way to keep you going. Largely that has to do with increased athleticism, increased flexibility, increased strength, clothes fitting differently," says Personal Trainer Shayne Smith.

Smith says every client is different so he tailors the program to meet their needs. He set Brian up with the very demanding "300 Workout." It's a physical fitness test that actors and stunt men from the movie 300 completed after months of training.

The workout starts with 25 pull-ups then goes on to include 50 dead-lifts with 135 pounds, 50 push-ups, 50 box jumps, 50 floor wipers, 50 kettle bell clean and presses, and finally another 25 pull-ups.

Brian says when he first started the program he could barely do half the workout, but he can now do the whole thing in 25 minutes. He says every test he would do a little better than the time before, and that kept him motivated for the entire 3 months.

He's also happy to report he did lose the 20 pounds.

Don't try the 300 Workout without consulting a professional. If you'd like to set some goals or want more information call (509) 735-7744.

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Short term health & fitness goals can lead to long term success