Successful Workout Programs

Successful workout programs need proper structure, scheduling and a workout log.

There are many people who begin a workout program, to lose unwanted pounds or just to stay fit, but many of these people fail because their program lacks planning, organization or they simply cheat on their schedule. If you want to have success with your workout program you must include and follow these three elements. Here are a few tips on how you can achieve your goals.

You are going to need a workout log. A workout log is your personal road map to success and it will keep you honest. It is also used to track patterns that can be detrimental or helpful to your fitness goals. A simple 5x8 spiral notebook will work fine. So what kind of information are you going to need to log?

This is where planning and organization are needed. Don't even begin your workout program until you know what you want to get out of your workouts (your goals), what will be included in your workout routine, and what days and times you're scheduling your workouts. Take the first page of your workout log and list each of these items. Then, use page two for the beginning of your workout log.

Write the time and date of your first scheduled workout in line one. What ever you do, don't miss a scheduled workout. It's understandable that certain, unavoidable schedule changes can happen, such as an emergency or a sick child. Unless your schedule change is an absolutely necessity, missing it is more commonly known as an excuse. Don't become the victim of excuses. If it happens, write down the reason in your log book, slap yourself on the hand and either squeeze in a makeup session, or chalk it up to as a learning experience.

Understand, if your workouts takes place outside of your the home, usually at the gym, it becomes much easier to find excuses. “I'm tired and I don't feel like driving all the way to the gym ...” is one of the classic examples. This might be the reason why the 8 minute workout programs are usually more successful. It is real difficult to find any good reason not to fit 8 short minutes into your schedule.

As you complete each scheduled workout, leave a spot in your workout log to mark it off. And yet another success!

It's best to use one page for each week of your workout program log book. This way you'll have enough space on each page to write what went well and what did not. For example, let's just say you had a legitimate reason for missing one of your workouts. Always note it in your log. It will be useful information later on, because you may begin to notice patterns. Maybe Monday simply never seems to work. You'll need to adjust your workout schedule to keep you from missing any more sessions. On the other hand, you may begin to notice a pattern of too many excuses that are keeping you from meeting your goals. Resolve this and you're back on track. If you're dieting (which you should be!) write down any variations in you successful diet program. As before, you're searching for patterns that can be corrected in the weeks to come.

Weigh yourself once a week and try to make it the some day and time every week. First thing in the morning when you wake up is best. Weighing yourself every day is not a good idea. Once a month, go get your tape measure and measure your critical points. The waistline, hips, thighs and arms are ones you'll want to keep track of. Make sure you write all this down.

Having a solid plan is all you need for a successful workout program. The only thing left is to keep up with your workout schedule and continue writing down those workout log entries!