Taking two minutes a day to update a fitness journal will help you perform better! For many people getting fit and staying fit can feel like an impossible task but a fitness journal will help keep you on track and make sure you see progress. While this may not be the most glamorous subject, it’s important to keep a record of what you’re doing and how you feel about it because you’ll be amazed to look back six months later and see how much you’ve improved.
People often tell me how they start a fitness plan with great enthusiasm only for it to tail off or they approach fitness in fits and starts and then end up feeling frustrated. I hate to hear about people sabotaging their health and fitness levels and advocate a slow and steady approach to exercise. The four key reasons competitive athletes keep a fitness journal are:
• To help them stay accountable to their training regimen.
• To assist coaches and trainers with injury prevention.
• To monitor progress.
• To help the athlete and their coach reflect and research factors that are contributing to success or failure.

I still use a fitness journal to keep my fitness and nutrition goals on track.

Why a fitness journal will work for you
A fitness journal can help everyone but, if you’re not yet convinced, here are my top two reasons why an activity diary will improve your approach to fitness:

1. A fitness journal will help you be honest with yourself on a daily basis and understand why you are reaching – or not reaching – your goals. This will help you continue to push yourself and make progress, whatever your fitness level.
2. A fitness journal will help you keep moving forward. If life or injury gets in the way of your exercise plan then a fitness journal will help you easily retrace your steps and get back on track.
   If you are wondering how you are going to find the time to keep a journal when you can barely even find the time to work out: relax –Just jot down these 3 things every day.
   • Day and date. .
   • Activity. List the time, duration, type and intensity of the activity.
   • Nutrition: What you ate for the day and how you can do better.