by Jessie Heekin

Created on: October 15, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2008

Journal Your Exercise Program

In a food diary, someone records the pertinent details to properly measure and evaluate success. The same clarity is possibly with your exercise program. Using a journal will allow illuminate your goals and clarify your responses.

Beginning

The tools you will need to journal such a program are simple. You can use pen and paper or a computer and a word processing program, or even a blog.

First, with pen and paper you have the ability to jot quit notes before and after, as well as during, your exercise regimen. It also has a very personal feel that computers don't provide for everyone that allows you to be honest with yourself: a key component to fitness and self education.

With a computer, your second option, you have saved files available on your desktop which you can readily translate with excel into charts, or print of and keep as you wish.

With a blog, you can not only write down all of your experiences, but also receive feedback about your fitness program. This option is helpful for those seeking a community of those who exercise with goals in mind.

Whatever the option you choose to journal with, be sure it is the right one for you and don't be afraid to change. The key is to be comfortable and prepared to share honestly with yourself (and others should you choose a blog, unless you set it to a privately viewed only profile).

Not A Diary

Many don't immediately realize the difference, but a journal and a diary are not the same. A diary merely records what happens, but makes no conclusions or reflections, like a journal does.

Set Goals

The first page should be devoted to at least three goals you have to improve your health through your exercise regimen.

Make goals:

Specific. Know exactly what you are trying to accomplish and how you plan to do so.

Easy to measure. Determine milestones, midpoints, and benchmarks for your achievement. They allow you to not only chart your progress but encourage you further as you exercise and journal about it.

Lastly, make them realistic. Setting goals you cannot achieve is a huge mistake and an entirely unhealthy choice.

Flow

Your exercise has flow, and so must journaling.

At first, it may seem strange, but once you are used to it will be like having a buddy alongside to encourage you and listen to your progress.

The Benefits

As you continue to journal about your exercise program, you will discover habits you didn't know you had, see patterns, and find decision making easier. You have facts and feelings in your hand to guide you further in your fitness journey.

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