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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
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