Why Should I Start a Fitness Journal?

HEY SAM, I’m trying to lose 50 pounds but I seem to be in a rut. Can you tell me what I should be doing differently? —Karen, Long Beach, CA

Karen, life never stands still. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Keeping a fitness journal is one of the best ways to ensure that you move in a positive direction.  You have to set goals for yourself and continue to strive for positive results.

The best way is to keep a personal fitness journal.  I like to use a small spiral bound book of lined recipe cards.

Start by making a two-column list.  In one column, write down all of your strengths, in the other column, write down all of your perceived weaknesses.  Start with your posture and then assess each area of your body. Be gut wrenchingly honest with yourself.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do you have rounded shoulders?
• Does your head tilt one direction?
• How’s the overall muscle mass?
• How’s the overall shape?
• Look at your abdominals—what is the general ratio of muscle to fat?
• Turn sideways and look at your legs and hamstrings.

Next, list your goals. Start with long term, say—where you’d like to be in a year’s time. Be realistic. Then write goals down for two months time.  And one month’s time.  List things you can measure. Be specific. Then re-read your list and ask yourself: “How will I know that this goal has been attained?” If you’re not sure, re-write the goal until you know for sure.

When I used to meet with a client for the first time, I ask: “Can you think of a celebrity whose body most closely matches the one you’d like to achieve?” Be inspired. Aim high!

A fitness journal can be an extension of your inner self, but moreover, it can help you become your new self.