To keep tab on something means to keep an account of; check on or observe it.
One the reasons we keep tabs on anything we are involved in is because we want to be able to measure it at a particular point in the future.
Numerous studies show that individuals who write their plans down are more likely to accomplish them than those that don’t.
I personally love to write things down. I have ‘To do list’ reminders all over the house; on the fridge and mirrors. I believe there is something magical that happens in the process of writing things down. There seems to be a connection that affirms the written down into the sub-consciousness. It’s like an agreement has been made with oneself that the written down will have to happen.
If you are really serious about your fitness regime, then there is one thing you should have to help your progress; you must keep a Workout/Training Journal or Log. A workout log as I prefer to call it, is a place where you record your fitness goals and aspirations and then track progress and record achievements.
It allows you to track more than figures such as weight gain/loss, body measurements and dress seizes. It gives you room to monitor and record your attitude, emotions and highs and lows through your fitness journey.
To further explain why a workout log is our friend, here are a few benefits of owning one:
- Focus: Your workout becomes more focused as you know what to do at each training session. You will no longer approach your workout time in a carefree and lackadaisical manner. You will know what you are building on, how long the sessions should last and desired goals. With a workout log you can say “bye” to walking aimlessly to and fro in the gym, wondering which equipment will feel the force of your anger next
- Real progress: As long as you have written down the truth, you will be able to see if you are progressing towards your goals or not. Regardless the result that stares at you in the face, it will give you the basis for any change that might be required.
- Motivation: The progress you see will motivate you. Sometimes I look back at my workout log and it motivates me to know how far I have come in terms of health and fitness and that I am nearly at the point of a 6 pack, albeit I have stayed at the 4 pack junction for a while
- Accountability: Let’s face it, keeping fit and healthy in today’s economy can be hard work. However, once you have committed to writing your goals down, you will be more encouraged to do something to keep it continuously updates.
Now that you are ware of some of the benefits, you might be wondering, how and what can I use to keep a workout log.
Here are some things you could try:
- Online Workout Log: The beauty of the internet is that you can keep an online workout log; update and track your progress or re-design your schedule. Some of the online solutions out there also enable you incorporate facilities to encourage healthy eating. I advice exercising caution as to what online workout log tracker you use and the amount of personal information you make available.
- A workout Journal notebook: I have one of these. I love writing, so it is only imperative that my workout log is a notebook. There are numerous ones in the market, so find one that works for you. Mine allows me to set yearly, quarterly, monthly, weekly and daily goals of fitness –including healthy eating.
- Print out template: You can look for a one page template that works for you, print this out and use it daily or weekly. For the purpose of this post, I have developed one as a sample. You can re-work or tweak it to suit you. DOWNLOAD the sample Template HERE
- On your mobile Device: How did we survive before the Android phone revolution?! Answers on a card please! Android phones do everything now except make our dinner, and that might not be a far off reality either! You can download one of the many smart workout logs onto your mobile device and use that. Again, find the one that suits you needs.
To encourage you further, I have one free Workout log to give away. This is similar to the one I use.
The workout Log
To WIN please follow the instructions below. You must complete all to qualify.
- Visit www.adayingodswill.com
- Leave a comment at the end of this post that says “I want the free Workout Log Book” and “Thank you for the free giveaway”
- Write one sentence of why you think this book will help you with your fitness goals.
- Follow us on Twitter and tweet this message “I am Inspired by www.adayingodswill.com to be His Fit Temple”
- Follow us on Facebook. Type on your wall “I am Inspired by www.adayingodswill.com to be His Fit Temple”
Our Twitter and Facebook links are on the left hand side of this website.
Closing date: Saturday 25 June 2011.
The winner will be selected by ballot by the team. The winner will be announced on Sunday 26 June and contacted for postage details.
Keep it moving people
Much Love, Remi
