If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress

– Barack Obama

Starting your fitness journey can be a mix of excitement and curiosity. As you dive into various workouts and diets, questions about weight, cardio, and calories may arise. To find answers and stay on the right path, maintaining a fitness journal can be a game-changer. A friend of mine introduced me to this invaluable tool, and it has made a significant difference in my fitness journey. A fitness journal helps you track your progress objectively and enables you to review if you are heading in the right direction. However, remember to maintain a balanced approach and avoid going overboard with tracking. In this blog post, we will explore the specifics of what you should track in your fitness diary and how it can aid your progress.

Basic / Beginner Tracking

If you are just starting out on your fitness journey, your primary goals may revolve around weight loss or weight gain. Begin your fitness journal by noting your current weight and what it was when you started. For accurate readings, track your weight once a week or every 15 days at a consistent time, such as before breakfast or after lunch.

Next, record your workout details, focusing on the exercises you performed, the duration of your workout, and the time of day. This will help you understand your exercise routine and lay the foundation for future analysis.

As a beginner, using apps like SamsungHealth, GoogleFit, or Strava can be beneficial. While they may not provide the most precise information, these apps can help create a starting point for you. They also assist in tracking the calories you burn during your workouts.

Intermediate Tracking

If you have been consistently working out for 30-45 minutes daily for at least 4-5 days a week, you have moved up to the intermediate level. In addition to the beginner tracking, consider adding a few more aspects to your fitness diary.

With an established workout routine, you might have a specific diet plan in place. Record everything you eat throughout the day, along with the timings. This will help you identify what to avoid and what to include in your diet.

Tracking your Heart Rate (HR) regularly is a valuable practice. Note your Relaxing HR, Workout HR, Pre-workout HR, or Post-workout HR as applicable. This data will help you understand if your workouts need to be intensified or if you need to take adequate rest.

Many individuals also track Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) or Body Mass Index (BMI). These metrics can guide you in managing your calorie intake effectively and give you a more accurate representation of your progress compared to just weight measurements.

Advanced Tracking

For fitness trainers, bodybuilders, marathoners, athletes, and similar professionals, tracking will be guided by their trainers or coaches. Seeking professional advice at every stage is crucial, as each person’s body structure and vital statistics differ. Working with a professional guide can prevent injuries and ensure that your workouts align with your specific goals.

Conculsion

Seeking professional advice at every stage of your fitness journey is essential due to the uniqueness of everyone’s body structure and vital statistics. Attempting to mimic exercises done by famous personalities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Virat Kohli, or Akshay Kumar without proper guidance can lead to injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to consult someone who is knowledgeable or a certified fitness trainer.

Deciding what to track in your fitness journal depends on your individual goals. Nevertheless, overall tracking and measurement play a vital role in understanding if you are on the right path or need to make adjustments. A well-maintained Fitness Journal can provide structure and organization to your fitness goals.

However, a word of caution: avoid going overboard with tracking. Some individuals tend to become overly obsessed, leading to issues such as giving up too easily, extreme dieting, or facing health problems and injuries. It is crucial to strike a balance and take professional help whenever necessary.

In conclusion, start your Fitness Journal and experience its effectiveness firsthand. By seeking guidance, tracking progress, and staying balanced, you can achieve your fitness goals and embark on a successful and fulfilling fitness journey. Remember, consistency and professional support are the keys to your success. So, take the plunge, keep tracking, and witness the incredible results.

Stay Fit! Stay Healthy!