| Although keeping a fitness journal is an important | | | | Do you want to add ten more minutes to your |
| part of your fitness program, the information kept | | | | treadmill workout or shave down your swim time? Be |
| there will only be of use to you if you log the proper | | | | sure to write down this information when you have |
| information. Below are a few suggestions of the type | | | | time to really think about it. This will ensure you are |
| of information you should jot down. | | | | writing down what you really want to accomplish and |
| Date, Day & Conditions | | | | in turn motivate you to achieve your goals. |
| These items are very important entries for your | | | | Cardiovascular Workout |
| journal. When you look back at your notes you'll be | | | | For this type of workout you need to write down |
| able to tell if the number of miles you thought you | | | | the type of cardio activity you performed; walking, |
| ran in one week actually took you two. You may | | | | jogging, skating, stationary bike, treadmill, etc. There |
| also find that on the same day every week your | | | | should be space for you to write down how long the |
| workout seems to be off because you are a bit | | | | workout lasted and how far you went. Rate your |
| more tired than usual. When you look back through | | | | workout on a scale from one to ten based on how |
| your entries you may notice that this tiredness is | | | | hard you pushed yourself to finish (1 being the |
| directly linked to staying up too late the night before | | | | easiest and 10 being the hardest). As you look back |
| to watch your favorite sitcoms. Consider making that | | | | through your daily ratings you can ensure you're |
| your weekly day of rest. Also, make sure to note y | | | | including a healthy mix of workouts in your weekly |
| our days of rest to ensure you are giving yourself | | | | program. If you typically push for a nine on Monday |
| enough recovery time. | | | | it's a good idea to aim for a two on Tuesday. Enter a |
| It is also a good idea to jot down the weather | | | | zero rating for the days you take off. |
| conditions, including the temperature and the wind, as | | | | Workouts for Strength |
| you tend to work harder when it's hot or raining. | | | | It is important for you to note how much weight |
| Write down the conditions of the course you take | | | | you lifted, the name of each exercise and how many |
| that day (was it flat or did it have hills); did someone | | | | sets you performed. Knowing the names of the |
| work out with you today (talking to someone while I | | | | exercises you perform enforces what muscle you |
| jogged today made the time fly). Also, be sure to | | | | are strengthening during your reps. Also make notes |
| include notes about how you feel before, during and | | | | about certain changes you want to make for your |
| after your workout. All of these notes may shed light | | | | next workout. For example, if you notice lifting 10 |
| as to why you are having a good or a bad workout | | | | pounds for a bicep curl seemed too easy today, try |
| day. | | | | using 15 pounds the next time. |
| Workout Goals | | | | With the right attitude, the right equipment and |
| Keeping notes about what you want to accomplish | | | | taking quality notes each time you work out, you can |
| during your workout can come in quite handy later. | | | | be well on your way to a stronger, healthier you! |