How to Track Your Workouts by Using a Notebook

Starting a new workout regimen can be exciting.

It is like the beginning of a new chapter. A new chance to create healthy habits, meet your weight loss goals and strengthen your muscles.

Getting started is simple - all you have to do is walk into the gym, pick up some weights, and begin working out, right?

While this might seem like the easiest and most obvious way to begin your fitness journey, it is not necessarily the most effective at helping you reach your goals.

To keep yourself accountable and stay motivated, it is important to incorporate a workout tracking system into your fitness routine.

You can track workouts by using a notebook to help maintain consistency and stick to your workout routine long-term.

Luckily, keeping a workout journal is easy and effective. By following our expert tips, you will be on your way to fitness success.

How to Track Your Workouts by Using a Notebook

Step One: Get a Workout Journal

To begin tracking your workouts by using a notebook, you need to get a physical journal.

The Portage Fitness and Workout Notebook is a great option to track your exercise regimen.

While this may seem a bit old school, using a pen and paper has been proven to be extremely effective when tracking your progress.

Make sure to get a notebook that is durable, and small enough to be able to easily fit into your pocket or gym bag. You can even section off a part of your existing planner if you are already using one for work or personal items.

Using a physical notebook is not only easier to use at the gym (especially if you wear gloves), it prevents you from getting distracted by phone notifications.

Step Two: Plan Your Workout

The day before your workout, take a few minutes to plan what you would like to accomplish at the gym.

This prevents you from showing up at the gym feeling lost for what to do or wasting time looking up workouts on your phone.

Your plan does not have to be incredibly detailed, but it should give you a clear vision of what you will be focusing on during that particular workout. Your workout plan could look like this:

• Warm-up (jump rope) - 5 minutes
• Kettlebell swings - 10 lbs - 10 sets - 6 reps - 1 minute rest
• Squats - 10 sets - 6 reps - 1 minute rest
• Etc.

When writing your workout plan, make sure you include any weights you will be using, the number of sets in each rep, the number of reps, and how long your rest period is. These will vary from person to person - the plan above is just a sample and should reflect your personal workout routine.

If you do not already have a set workout routine, you can do a quick search online for sample beginner workout plans.

Step Three: Record the Date, Time, and Body Weight

Before you begin your workout, write down the date and time you are completing the workout.

You will also want to record your body weight if it is a metric that you are tracking.

Recording these items will help you maintain consistency. Also, it will allow you to get a better understanding of your progress. Flipping back through your notebook and seeing how many workouts you completed will give you a confidence boost. This might just be the extra push you need on those days when you just do not feel like working out.

Another thing that you might want to take note of is how you felt during the workout. Was it easy? Did you find it difficult to keep going?

These notes can help you figure out what times your body performs at its peak. Some might perform best in the early morning, while others do much better in the afternoon or evening.

Step Four: Mark Each Completed Exercise

During your workout, be sure to mark off each completed exercise. After performing a set, mark a tally next to the workout to keep track of how many reps you have completed. This will help keep you both motivated and accountable.

Final Thoughts

That’s how simple it is to track your workouts by using a notebook!

Consistency is key to achieving success. It’s easy to fall off the bandwagon when you are feeling unmotivated or bored.

Keeping track of your workouts by using a notebook is a flexible and easy way to make progress toward your fitness goals and maintain consistency.

While it may be tempting to use your phone, try using the notebook method for a few weeks and you will soon be surprised at how much progress you’ve made!

Portage Notebooks is located in Northeast Ohio and has been creating professional notebooks for media, law enforcement, and businesses for over fifty years. Our notebooks are made using the highest quality materials.

If you are interested in learning more about productivity, time management, or notebook organization tips, visit our blog.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out - email us at info@portagenotebooks.com!