There are all sorts of gadgets out there which help in tracking your physical activity. Bands you can wear on your wrists and apps on your phone are just some of them.
Of course, you can always do it the old-fashioned way, with a notebook and pen. No matter which method you choose, there are some real benefits to keeping track.
First, it helps you to put together a plan that works best for you. After you have tracked your activity levels, you can usually get a good feel for the time of day in which you might be more energetic or have the time to incorporate some exercise.
Second, it helps keep you committed to making healthy changes. It takes a lot of time and effort to track your physical activity. So it shows a desire to take real action.
Third, it helps you set goals that are realistic and doable. After tracking your level of physical activity, you will know if you are ready for an intense exercise program or maybe need to just start off with some light walking.
Fourth, it shows you any obstacles that may be getting in the way of living a healthier lifestyle. You might notice that too much time is spent on the couch watching television or that other things in your life need to be prioritized better.
If you want to get a really good idea at how much (or little) physical activity you do, keep track for at least a week. It will require writing a detailed description of what you are doing and for how long.
I also suggest keeping track of what you are eating and drinking throughout the day. At the end of the week you will have a really good idea on what specific things need to be worked on.
Related Articles:
Journal Your Way to Fit Living
Putting Together a Fitness Schedule
Keeping Track of Your Progress
Photo by kalleboo in Flickr