We’ve talked about keeping a journal during the Spring Forward to Action 30-Day Challenge. A journal can help you keep track of your progress emotionally and it can prove to be an exercise in mental fitness. A training log is somewhat different from a journal. You can incorporate a training log into your journal or you can keep it separately.
A training log usually keeps a record of your daily workouts. You will record the exercises performed, in the order they were performed as well as values such as number of minutes spent on cardio or number of reps. You’ll also want to know how many sets you did. You’ll record what weights you were using and also the time, date and where you performed the workout.
For example, if you use a gym twice a week. You’d want to record what pieces of equipment that you use there, for how long you used it as well as the weight values you may have used. You can do this for an aerobics class, an aerobics DVD or your home equipment.
If you take a long walk outside, you can record that as well. A training log is a great tool. You can track your own progress. For example, if a workout you performed was very easy, you can see that you may need to increase weight or reps or switch your workout around to make it challenging.
You also have accountability with a training log. You are keeping track of your workout and you can even use it to keep track of your personal weight and measurements. You can record goals, days you met goals and days you rewarded them.
A training log is your best assistant in any personal fitness program.
For related articles on this subject, check out these entries:
5 Ways to Stick to Your Workout
Manage Time Better: Fitting in Fitness