Health & Fitness Tools

Forgotten Notes In Workout Diaries

5th September, 2009 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Weight training diaries are great tools to keep track of exercise program. They are used to record progress, routine and repetitions. These weight training journals are often the base of a balanced exercise routine. They can be as simple as a note book and a pencil or can be purchased with pages that have spaces for entries, suggested routines and other helpful advice. Many gyms now have equipment that will keep track of sets, weights and reps with individual I.D.. But training isn’t just about the active routine. Whether building for strength or size, keeping track of the other factors of training can be equally revealing. That is the reason keeping weight training diaries can be such a good tool.

As with any program, the best first step is to establish objectives. Is the program designed for cardio improvement, weight loss, joint and body mobility, strength, or some other end? Stating the intended goal will help in setting quantifiable indicators to measure progress. The easy indicators are pounds lost, how much is lifted, heart rate, and flexibility. There are other, subtler indicators as well; sleeping patterns, energy levels, stamina, mood, concentration and complexion, are a partial list. Well stated objectives and a sense of the milestones are the beginnings of a decent program.

Often overlooked are other issues that go into good health and promote fitness. Keeping track of sleep can be a eye-opening experience when recording progress in the gym and tracking the correlation. pausing between exercises aids in training. The body requires recovery time. Yet many gym rats will know to rest between sets, but forget to go to bed In our around the clock society, something as basic as sleep often slips on the priority list. Placing awareness on rest is often an insightful exercise that can correlate with measurable results in the gym. It can also be seen in subtler occurrences; folks greeting you instead of hiding in their cubicle.

One of the most important aspects of training is food consumption. What, when and quantity of what you eat are some of the important factors to monitor. The body needs energy to function. Carbohydrates, such as bread, vegetables, fruit and cereal, are established fuel sources for working out. Big meals need a couple hours to absorb prior to exercising. Tracking calorie and content intake and its relationship on exercise is a very important process. People respond differently to various foods, and becoming aware of that can be a key advancement in any routine. Meals after a workout is equally essential. This is when the heavier proteins should be consumed, which is especially important for women.

Keeping track of goals, sleep and diet are important aspects of any exercise routine. More benefits have come from simple awareness then any strict workout program.