When I set a goal, I write it down and make it happen.
Right now my goal is to get a little leaner. For me that means losing body fat without sacrificing too much muscle. Without question, my body gets the results I set my mind to when I plan, and just as importantly, when I track both my workouts and my diet.
I have searched high and low for the right tracking tool to meet my needs from notebooks and spreadsheets, to online forums and Web-based tracking programs.
I finally found a compact, quality and organized solution, it’s called fitbook.
Here’s what I love about my fitbook:
- It keeps all of my Fitness & Spice secrets including goals, measurements, workouts, nutrition, and notes all in one place
- It’s durable and just 5.5 square inches so it fits in my gym bag, my purse, and my briefcase so I can refer and record all of my notes anywhere, anytime
- Unlike Web-based programs, I can access my previous workouts while in the gym and refer to how many sets, reps, weight used, duration, and pace instantly
- It keeps my diet on track as I log everything I eat (which keeps me from eating an entire jar of peanut butter or carton of ice cream some days just so I don’t have to write it down)
- There is a quick, daily self evaluation for workouts and food logs (see the right column in the picture above)
- I can easily see my plan by the week and the day
- I can go back and reflect on my accomplishments as it holds 12 weeks of progress
- There’s a place to leave love notes or tough love!
- It even has a secret compartment in the back to hold things like a gym membership or identification card, cash, or business cards
Research shows people are more likely to reach their goals if they write them down. Who am I to argue with research when I have body fat to lose?
If you have a goal, write it down and if you’d like to take the advice of Fitness & Spice, I highly recommend writing it down in a fitbook.
carrie says:
September 29th 2009what a great idea! this looks like something i could totally use…esp. because it is smaller than the notebook i usually use and i can fit it in my purse. love it.
Suzanne says:
September 29th 2009That is really cool, I’m totally getting one. Perhaps the shame of seeing “gummy bears” written down every day will make me stop!
Jennifer says:
September 29th 2009Fabulous idea! I have been jotting down my goals in one notebook, scribbling down daily food intake, weight and workout info in my daily planner. It is really a mess of a system. Thank you for sharing this new tool. What an awesome way to track and look back. :)
Lance says:
September 29th 2009Hi Joanna,
Very awesome notebook! I’ve always made a spreadsheet to keep track of my strength training goals. And that works nicely, except it just a sheet of paper – and not something that quite as conducive to carrying with me. And it’s ONLY for strength training, nothing else. And then to top it off, when I started a new program a couple of weeks ago – I’ve been just keeping track in my head (bad, bad idea…). You want to know how good my memory is? Well…let’s just say that writing it all down is a much smarter idea. So – I think this little notebook is a pretty fabulous idea!
Diane Fit to the Finish says:
September 29th 2009I love, love, love that book! I might have to get one. I don’t track my workouts formally, but I do keep on top of them by not missing them if I can help it. I think it’s a great idea to journal and keep track of your food and your workouts!
Kevin says:
September 29th 2009Definitely one of the best ways to improve your chances of success! And that looks like a good log book. Where do you find them?
Just so you know, I’m stealing your ideas to use with clients, so thanks for all the hard work!
Joanna Sutter says:
September 29th 2009Kevin, Click on the very last word of this article and it will take you to the fitbook site. Then click on the “get fitbook” link.
Now, I’m off to work on uncovering my 8-pack abs! ; -)
Kevin says:
September 29th 2009Oh, you and your fancy computer skills!
Good luck, I think I’m getting there faster!
Yum Yucky says:
September 29th 2009Hey! I like that thing.
Keith says:
September 29th 2009Hello Joanna!
Great blog! This is my first visit, I followed you over from Lance’s blog (Jungleoflife.com).
You right about writing goals down, that definitely helps one to keep on track and serves as progress report too!
Thanks Joanna!
Geri says:
September 29th 2009What a great tool! Would make an excellent gift for those who would track their progams!
Jonathan Figaro says:
September 29th 2009Keep track of my daily activities is a great tool. Planning / goal setting does many things.
1. eliminate fear of failure
2. Bad habits
3. we become more productive
4. We see results
5. Comfort zone stretched
Great post!
Caryn says:
September 29th 2009This is an awesome product. Tracking your workouts or keeping a food diary is not something new and different, but what’s important is that we have the right resources to make it easy and manageable to do. Having your workout and food logs in one place is a huge timesaver and manager of this information. Fitness and Spice always has something nice. Thanks for tip. I LOVE it and will most definately become a user.
Angela (Oh She Glows) says:
September 29th 2009Ohhh that book is so cool! I love it.
I definitely agree that writing down workouts and future workout goals is the KEY to fitness success. I track all my workouts on my run page. It is so fun to be able to look back! That reminds me, I need to update it!
Lauren @ Team Giles says:
September 29th 2009very cool! I’ve thought about getting one…
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Jess (Fit Chick in the City) says:
October 4th 2009Just read this post! What a cool product. Not only would I love to have one myself, but it would be a great gift for my clients.
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