The Importance of Keeping Exercise Records
Sometimes I find it really interesting to sort through my exercise records from many years ago to see where I have come from. Apart from being interesting, it’s also a great validation that all the hard work I have put in over the years has paid big dividends.
When you are exercising, no matter what your goal, it is important to keep a record of the exercise that you have done. It allows you to monitor your progress on a short-, mid- and l0ng-term basis. These relatively objective figures will also allow you to stay motivated and accountable.
Exercise records can take on a variety of formats. The records that I find to be of most use in my own day-to-day training include:
- Weight training records; including exercises, weight, repetitions, rest periods.
- Cardio training records; including cardio format, duration, intensity level, distance, calories, resistance level, incline, maximum heart rate, power output.
Just in case you’re wondering, I do keep my own records religiously. In fact, I have over seven years of training records stashed away!
