I am a big fan of keeping a workout journal to keep track of my workouts.  I was doing this faithfully for years but after the failed fitness competition, I got so tired of writing everything down that I just stopped altogether.

I still kept track somewhat with a spreadsheet in Google Drive but it wasn’t the detailed journals like I kept before.

Recently I went back to using a small spiral notebook to keep track of my workouts and I was reminded again of the power of tracking.

I don’t just track what workout I do.  I track all the metrics along with how I feel.  I track the amount of weight I use and I also track how I feel during the workout.  Did I get hungry?  Was I low energy?  What was my Pre Workout meal like?  Was I really sore afterward?

If you’re training for a race or a sporting event, it is critical to journal and keep track so you can formulate your own program and plan for success.

You can’t change what you don’t track

Tracking allows me to change variables that are not working for me.  For example, I was noticing that I was very low energy during my workouts so I added in a carbohydrate pre-workout meal and I feel much better.

Success leaves clues and so if you begin to have success with your program, then you can always have a reference point.

Tracking keeps you honest

Our behavior changes when we track it because it forces us to get honest with ourselves.  It’s right there in print.

I notice that when I track ANY activity I am more accountable and I will follow through on my behavioral changes.

Since I like to look at training as an experiment, you would never find a scientist that is not carefully tracking their data during an experiment.  It’s important so you can honestly evaluate your progress and let go of what is not serving you.

No need to get fancy

I use a simple spiral notebook with a durable cover.  There are fancier workout journals out there but I prefer a simple notebook that I can carry around with me.

I typically split my training periods into 6,8, or 12 week periods.  That way I can set smaller goals and then evaluate my progress at the end of those periods.  It helps to avoid the march to nowhere.

Find what works for you whether it’s a small spiral notebook, an online app, or workout journal!!

The important thing is to keep track and watch the positive changes come!