Fit Tip: Take Your Fitness Journal to the Gym

I like to go to the gym about three or four times a week, and I found a great way to motivate myself to go — I keep track of my workout for the day. If I use a machine, I write down how much time I was on it, my distance, my speed, and the calories burned (even though this is probably inaccurate). If I'm lifting weights, I write down each exercise, the amount of weight I lifted, and how many reps I did. Not only does it keep track of my workouts, but when I peruse the journal, I feel a sense of pride when I can actually see all the hard work I accomplished. It also helps me remember to train different parts of my body since I always forget what I did the day before. It's amazing how this little pad of paper allows me to keep up the same intensity the next time I work out. When I'm ready to run faster or longer, or lift a heavier weight, I write that down too, and then I can keep track of my progress.

Fit's Tips: You can download my free FitSugar Fitness Journal. Each sheet maps out a week of fitness, so you can keep all the sheets and when you've collected a bunch, you can look back and be proud of how you're taking such good care of yourself.