Opt In for Loyola Swimming Pool Access (Summer 2025)

Tulane Campus Recreation members can opt in to access Loyola University's Sports Complex indoor pool while the Reily Center natatorium is under maintenance. For more information on how to opt in, view our email alert message.

The Reily Center’s main gym (basketball courts), indoor track, and natatorium are closed for extended maintenance and will reopen before the start of the fall 2025 semester.

We apologize for the inconvenience and greatly appreciate your patience as we continue to ensure the quality and safety of our facilities. Check our website, social media, and email alerts this summer for official reopening dates.

Setting SMART Summer Goals

A clipboard with a rubric labeled "workout plan" next to dumbbells, an apple, measuring tape, tennis shoes, headphones, and a towel.

By Nadia Steinle.

Whether you are just starting on your fitness journey or looking to make a fresh change, summer is the perfect time to revamp your fitness, health, and wellness goals. Use the framework of SMART goals to make a clear plan that will keep you motivated all summer. "SMART" goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, helping you to stay on track and feel accomplished by the end of the summer. In this post, we will dive deeper into what SMART goals are and how you can implement them into your summer fitness goals.

What are SMART Goals?

As stated, a SMART goal is an acronym of a goal-setting framework. This framework increases your chances of short- and long-term success by providing structure and clarity around reaching your goals. Why should you use SMART goals? SMART goals can help you avoid feeling burned out or overwhelmed by your ambitious goal. Instead of saying, “This summer I want to get into shape,” or “I want to eat healthy this summer," SMART goals help replace high expectations with concrete steps.

The Breakdown of SMART Goals:

Specific: Your goal is clear and straightforward.

  • For example: “I will walk for 45 minutes every day after work”. 
  • Tip: Try to ask yourself exactly what you want to be able to accomplish at the end of the summer.

Measurable: Your goal allows you to track your process concretely over time, and you will know once you have achieved this goal.

  • For example: “ I will drink 72 oz of water each day”, or “I will eat (x amount) of protein every day for breakfast.”
  • Tip: Use a journal or an online log to help you keep track of your progress.

Achievable: An achievable goal is realistic and within your capabilities. Don't tell yourself you want to run a marathon if you are completely new to running. Instead, make something that fits in your current fitness level and constraints.

  • For example: "I will go on a 30-minute run twice a week.”
  • Tip: Don’t set a goal that doesn't fit into your daily routine or timely needs in your day.

Relevant: Set a goal that aligns with your long-term goals and plans.

  • For example: “I will prepare one healthy meal each week.” Maybe you are a busy student or parent who struggles to make healthy meals, and this could be a simple fix to help you!
  • Tip: Try setting a goal that is important to you in this current moment.

Time-Bound: Your goal should have a deadline or some sort of schedule that you can use to guide your progress.

  • For example: “ I will take 10 workout classes by the end of July.”
  • Tip: Set short-term deadlines within your long-term goal.

Overall, when all of the aspects of a SMART goal are considered, you are setting yourself up for a successful summer of health and fitness. Combine these elements and set some goals for yourself this summer. Don’t forget to stay focused and push past the roadblocks and bumps along the way. Keep track of your progress and see how you can impress yourself when fall rolls around! Have a great summer!