Keeping a Workout Journal
I hate when this happens…
It’s 10:20 pm and I just got back from a never miss a Monday session at the gym.
I know it’s late and the last minute workout tonight will probably keep me up an extra half-hour, which I guess isn’t that bad because I’m reading a great book called Golf’s Sacred Journey.
Sometimes life and a hectic schedule get in the way and you have to make time (even if it is a late night workout) to get the week started off on the right foot.
During the pump I came to a quick realization. I forgot what weight I was using last week for the Dumbbell Step Up exercise.
Don’t you hate when that happens? Especially when you go to pick a weight from the rack and within 2 seconds after starting the exercise you know that it’s too heavy. You’re only going to get a few reps in let alone finish the complete set with proper form.
What an idiot I was. Keeping a workout journal is such a simple concept in the 3BG System and I forgot. It’s so simple to do. It takes seconds to enter your weight load during rest periods and jot down how you are feeling that day.
Being able to look back on your week, pin-point areas where you might be feeling weak or areas where you feel you are improving is a huge part of knowing if you are heading towards your goal or moving away from it.
A workout log or journal can even be used to keep track of the foods you consume throughout the week. In fact, it might be useful in the grocery store next time around. Seriously though, whether you are trying to lose weight or gain muscle it helps to know exactly what you are putting in your mouth (more on this topic later).
Over the years I’ve seen a few ways to keep track.
Printed out sheets, clipboards, a small spiral note book and now even iphone’s or blackberry’s can store notes. Personally I’d recommend you leave the cell phone in the locker room as nobody needs to listen to you jibber-jabbering to your buddies between sets.
Whatever you decide be sure to get in the habit of doing it. You will pleasantly surprised a few weeks from now when you look back and see how far you have progressed.
All in all I learned two valuable lessons tonight:
1- Even the pros mess up… and
2- I was using 45s last week not 110s.
Go after it.
Jon
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