LOG IT (KEEP A WORKOUT LOG)

Even if you’re not the note-taking type, you should make an effort to record the daily progress of your workout. It is a simple and effective way of keeping motivated and staying on track.

All you have to do is record what you do. Start off with the type of exercises and sets, then work your way through the reps, and even the time you were able to accomplish each. Whatever you do, you have to be as accurate – and of course as honest with yourself – as possible. Remember, no one else ever has to see it, but unless you stick to the exact exercise you have done there is no point in keeping the log.

Keeping a workout log may seem tedious in the beginning, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you were able to live without it for so long.

Keeping a workout log will help you improve your overall wellbeing in 2 ways. For one, it will help you assess your physical performance as you go along. You’ll have a record of your best lifts and reps so you’ll see just how far you’ve come along in your program. A workout log will also give you that much needed motivation to constantly improve your numbers.

You can use whatever format of workout log works for you. There are various free resources that you can take advantage of online, e.g. Google ‘workout log’ for a wide selection, or visit http://healthhubpro.blogspot.com to print one out, or you might simply prefer to stick to good old pen and paper.

Alternatively, you can go even more high tech and keep a personalized record of all your exercise, including calories burned and so on, by using a dedicate app, such as Gym Hero or Endomondo, perhaps even in conjunction with an activity tracking device like FitBit. The advantage of these state-of-the-art apps and deices is that they can be with you 24/7 and provide maximum accuracy and convenience.

However you choose to do it, high tech or low tech, do whatever it takes to keep accurate records of you workouts. By studying your logs regularly, you’ll be able to come up with specific ways to improve your workout. Instead of blindly following a program, you’ll be able to personalize your workout according to your past performance. As a result, you stand an even better chance of improving your fitness and body shape.