Keeping Track of Your Fitness

Hey everyone,

One of our readers has asked: "In some of your posts you refer to fitness logs. Never having used one, I'm not sure what information is important to include in them. Are there any that you would recommend, keeping in mind that I'm a newbie to exercise and don't want to spend all week charting what I've done (or didn't do!!). Thanks."

This is a great question, as it is often something that is overlooked when starting a fitness regime.  We ensure to keep track of each workout we complete.  This helps us remember what we have done, as well as monitor for progress (or lack thereof...). You don't need anything fancy. We use a small notebook that is easily transported with us for travel, etc. We also use a calendar to track our activities (including workouts, walks, bike rides, swims, etc.).  This helps us keep track of how active we are each week. 

For each entry, we include the date and type of workout we are doing that day (for example, Lower Body Circuit Workout).  We weigh in before each workout (measuring weight, body fat percentage and muscle percentage).  Keep in mind, however, that your numbers will fluctuate daily and it is best to use these numbers to track things over the long-term.  Frequently, we'll flip back in our notebook to look at trends in our numbers.

Before each workout, we plan what type of workout and the specific exercises and number of sets we will be completing.  You can even plan your workout ahead of time (we do this if we are doing an early morning workout, so we can get up and already have things planned out). We generally record weights used and number of reps (unless we are doing timed workouts, such as density or FGB).  This allows us to monitor our progress in weight lifted or number of reps over time. Be sure to add in comments of how the workout went that day, any injuries, etc.

Recording your workouts should not take a lot of time. We choose to use a notebook, but there are also many fitness apps available to track your progress.  You need to choose whatever works best for you!

We hope these tips are helpful!  Let us know if there is anything else you do to track your fitness!

-Tannys & Alex

Having Trouble Developing a Well-Rounded Fitness Program?

Hey everyone,

Recently one of our readers asked an important question: "So here's the deal. I joined a 'no frills' gym. Great cardio and strength training equipment and lots of other stuff (free weights, medicine balls, bench presses, etc.) but what do I do with it all!! It's somewhat overwhelming and I have no idea where to start. Any pointers on how to begin to put together a workout schedule/plan? How much cardio, how much strength training? How often should workouts be changed? What exercises should I be doing? How often should I work the same muscle groups etc. There are so many different workouts on the internet, it's hard to know how to put together a well rounded fitness program. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!"

Another Great Lower Body Ladder Workout!

Hey everyone,

It has been awhile since we've completed a ladder workout, so we decided to add this component into our lower body workout a few days ago.  Ladder workouts are excellent for both strength and conditioning.  If you take only very short breaks, they can be completed fairly quickly as well, giving you a great workout in a short amount of time.

Another reason to not skip breakfast!

Hey everyone,

We've always been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Well, here is another reason that you should not go hungry in the morning!

Car Pushing and Kettlebell Swings

Hey everyone,

Over this past long weekend, we decided it was time to do a killer strength and cardio workout, including one of our favorite types of exercise - car pushing!  Combining this with some kettlebell work, gave us a great full body challenge.