We all know the story. You start off with great intentions to prioritize exercise and work out consistently. But after a week or two, you don’t see any progress, and you lose motivation. It’s a frustrating cycle that many of us have experienced. But fear not! There is a solution to breaking this pattern and staying on track with your fitness goals: tracking your progress.
Tracking your fitness progress is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it allows you to see the changes in your body and how you feel. These tangible results can be incredibly motivating and keep you pushing forward. Whether it’s noticing that you can do more reps than last time or realizing your clothes fit differently, these small victories add up and encourage you to keep moving.
But how do you know if you’re making a difference? Here are steps to measure your fitness progress:
Take Measurements
Use a tape measure to track changes in your waist, hips, and other key areas of your body. Seeing the numbers decrease over time can be incredibly motivating.
WEIGH YOURSELF
While weight isn’t the only indicator of progress, it can still provide valuable information. Keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat, so don’t solely rely on the scale.
TRACK BODY FAT PERCENTAGE
Body fat percentage is a better indicator of overall fitness than weight alone. Consider using a body fat caliper or getting a professional assessment.
SET PERFORMANCE fitness GOALS
Instead of focusing solely on aesthetics, set performance-related goals. For example, aim to run a certain distance in a specific time or increase the weight you can lift.
KEEP A WORKOUT JOURNAL
Write down your workouts, including exercises, sets, and reps. This allows you to track your progress and ensure you’re consistently challenging yourself.
USE FITNESS APPS
There are numerous fitness apps available that can help you track your workouts, nutrition, and progress. Find one that suits your needs and use it consistently. Consider investing in a Fitbit or Apple Watch or joining Nike Fitness Club to keep track of your steps, your heart rate and even your sleep.
Use a heart rate monitor (like those integrated in smart watches) during workouts to ensure you’re working at an appropriate intensity. Over time, you should notice improvements in your cardiovascular fitness.
Time yourself
If you’re doing cardio exercises, such as running or cycling, time yourself and track your progress. Challenge yourself to beat your previous times.
TAKE PROGESS PHOTOS
Sometimes, the changes in our bodies are subtle and hard to notice. Take progress photos regularly to compare and see the transformation over time.
CELEBRATE SMALL VICTORIES
It’s important to celebrate all the small victories along the way. Maybe you can now do push-ups on your toes instead of your knees or hold a plank for longer. These achievements are just as significant as the numbers on the scale.
Now that you know how to track your fitness progress effectively, you’re on your way to reaching your goals. But where can you find the best resources to help you on your fitness journey?
City Fitness provides not just support but a variety of classes to fit your schedule and fitness routine. Whether you’re looking for high-intensity workouts, yoga, or strength training, they have it all. And don’t forget about their amenities, including the HydroMassage and Sauna, perfect for post-workout relaxation and detoxification.
Join the community and start tracking your progress today. Remember, progress takes time and commitment, but with the right tools and support, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Join City Fitness Philadelphia
One of the top gyms in Philadelphia is City Fitness. With multiple locations across the city, City Fitness offers state-of-the-art facilities, expert trainers, and a wide range of classes to choose from. Their gyms are equipped with the latest equipment, including cardio machines, weightlifting stations, and functional training areas. Whether you prefer group fitness classes or working out solo, City Fitness has something for everyone.