Tracking Fitness Progress For Real Physique Results

Getting active above all is the focus so if you are the type of person who will get demotivated by tracking information regarding your fitness because it seems like to much work then don't stress over it and just make sure you are getting your workouts in. Now if you get discouraged when you don't feel you are reaching your goals then you may need to consider which option is worse.

Tracking your progress can help you stay on track and ensure results. Many times we 'think' were are doing what we need but don't realize we are so wrong until we log our workout details and or eating.

The amount of detail you wish to track will fit with your personality and needs but by keeping some type of records regarding the date of your workout and what you did and ate is a key factor is establishing what works, what doesn't and what you need to change. I have numerous clients who say 'I had no idea how much crap I was eating until I began to write it down' or 'I can see clearly now that I am not eating enough'.

The first thing you should do is take some simple photos in shorts and for women, the bra top. Do not pose and don't worry too much about presentation, these are for comparison purposes only and a learning tool. 3 poses are sufficient, front, side and back. On the side pose you will want to pull the arm closest to the camera back a tad so that the waist is visible. Add dates to these and store them away. Take more a month later or as late as 6 months later in order to investigate the changes by comparing the shots.

Additionally you should measure your upper arm, chest, waist, thigh, and calve. There are specific ways to do this and for those keeners you will find these by a simple Internet search but the main idea is to make sure the sites are the same each time you measure, regardless if the sites are super accurate or not.

Body fat and weight can also be recorded if you have access to this but don't get hung up on any of these figures. They will vary in accuracy because these tools have a degree of fault but in combination are useful to reflect changes and that is the main idea.

A brief weekly or monthly weights, cardio and meal plan will help with consistency along with logging weight used and foods eaten. At minimum, do record the workouts, weight used, sets and reps done even if you decide to skip meal recording. You should notice within weeks if this is useful and if you can keep it up, or if you need to simplify your plan for your journaling within your comfort.

I would set a goal prize aside or an idea for a self reward even if it is an edible treat of your favorite choice or other indulgence such as a special outing. This will keep you even more motivated to keep track and succeed.

By Linda Cusmano