Sunday, January 23, 2011

Chart Your Fitness Progress Right

It all starts with a goal. Each goal requires an evaluation tool to see if the goal is met or not. Your fitness goals are not different at all. A weekly progress chart lets you know where you have been, where you are presently and gives you an idea where you're headed to. For goals to be achieved, an objective evaluation tool is required. Implementing new strategies to improve health and physique is pointless if you don't know your present condition. It is akin to jumping without thinking how and where you'll end up. A weekly progress chart gives you information you need to evaluate whether your fitness plans are working or not.

Included in a weekly fitness progress chart are columns for date, body fat percentage, total weight, lean body mass, fat weight, and changes for each week. Measurements of skin fold should also be included. If need be, skin fold measurements for biceps, triceps, iliac, upper back, thigh and abdominal areas should be added. You can get ideas how to format your weekly progress chart from the internet. Some sites even allow you to print a copy of their templates. Use them to your advantage, but if they are lacking, do not compromise. Customize it to your own needs. The more information you get, the more precise the evaluation and the solutions you apply to problem areas.

Begin your program by getting a correct measurement of your weight and body fat and lean body mass. Fill up your progress chart with the data that you have gathered. Do this every week to get an accurate picture of your progress. Progress charts lets you keep track of your progress so that you can spot problems and apply solutions as soon as possible. You just have to ensure that your data are as exact as possible.

Body weight measurement is most effective when done with skin fold testing to get body fat and lean body mass. You should weigh yourself on the same day at the same time with the same clothes every week. Your progress chart should contain accurate information because it will determine the solutions that you will later come up with. You will be able to appreciate your progress when you compare your base data with each succeeding measurement entries. You will see results in varying degrees when you analyze your data. Most of the time, beginners will see greater progress than the old timers. This is expected because the closer you get to your full potential, the more the body resists change. The weekly progress chart is most useful when you're nearing this point. You will immediately recognize fat loss plateaus and nip the problem in the bud.

The results of writing down your fitness program right dictates what you need to do to improve your plan. Being meticulous with measurements give you valuable data that will help you improve and counteract problems. Giving your fitness program the attention it deserves makes you reap rewards not only in how you look but also in how you enjoy life's adventures.

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Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor Watch