Have you ever finished a workout and wondered, “Am I actually getting stronger or faster?” If you don’t currently track your progress, it at times can be hard to tell. The good news is that keeping track of your workouts might be one of the easiest ways to stay motivated and see real results.
What Does It Mean to Track Your Workouts?
Tracking your workouts can be as simple as writing down what you did in a notebook or using a workout tracker (my personal way of tracking) on your phone. You can record:
• The exercises you completed (sets, reps and weight)
• How long you exercised – if you added a start/finish time on it.
• Your heart rate – if you are using something like a MyZone belt or an Apple Watch, etc.
• How you felt during the workout – my app has a note section but if you are a pen/paper type of person you could leave some indicator of how you felt.
Why It Matters
You Can See Your Progress
When you track your workouts, you’ll notice improvements that you may not feel right away. Maybe you lifted five more pounds than last month or ran a mile faster than before. Those small improvements add up overtime. As a powerlifter, I get notified of any rep PR, amount PR vs previous workouts I may have done 8 months ago. That keeps it motivating as I may have forgotten what I previously did.
It Helps You Set Better Goals
Instead of saying, “I want to get stronger,” as this is at times can be difficult to track. You might not have slept well, eaten well or the daily stresses altered your performance. Instead set a goal like, “I want to squat 20 more pounds in three months.” Clear goals are easier to achieve, and you can start to plan to get to that point.
Don’t Forget Recovery/Refuel
Tracking isn’t just about exercise. You can pay attention to:
• Sleep
• Water intake
• Energy levels
• Recovery days
• Food diary
You can start to see trends when you track these items. For example, outside the gym stressors (work, personal life, etc.) may alter your energy level for the workout. From tracking my workouts, I found that if I work out on days that don’t require a lot of outside energy, those are days I schedule my heavier or ‘main’ lifts for my sport.
Start Today
If you have a wearable, start tracking! I personally use the MyZone for my workouts, Apple Watch for daily movement and Oura Ring for everything else. But a notebook, a notes app or a fitness app can do the same. You must find the right combo for you!
At Merritt Clubs, our trainers can help you understand your progress and create a plan that keeps you moving toward your goals. Remember, every workout counts—and every step forward is worth celebrating.
For any questions, feel free to reach out to me at jmerritt@merrittclubs.com.
James Merritt is the General Manager at Merritt Clubs Buckingham.
