I recently took a trip to the bookstore. As I walked through the aisles I found myself drawn to the health/fitness/weight loss area. Quite naturally, as a personal trainer I am always interested in learning more about the various fitness products and literature (as I intend to publish my own in 2010). Among the numerous weight loss books and videos I came across something very interesting, Fitness Journals.
I am not unfamiliar with Fitness Journals, as a matter of fact; I have often recommended that clients obtain one which leads me to this week’s Fitness Detour, the Playbook. 
If there is no plan, then the likelihood of success drops 10 fold. This is especially true in the game of fitness. To lose weight and get fit it is necessary to commit to eating healthy and getting active. As we embark on our fitness journey we begin with the intention to achieve these goals but as the days draw on eating healthy and getting active falls off the to do list.
This is when Fitness Journals and a Game Plan come in handy. Fitness Journals allow you to track your eating habits and workout routines for the day. A Game Plan allows you to avoid weight loss sabotage. Here are some simple tips to help you create your own:
1. Schedule a fitness appointment! Just as you schedule your day to day activities, schedule a time for your workouts. Whether you workout with yourself, a fitness buddy or a trainer schedule a time and honor that appointment.
2. Set the alarm! Eating 5 small meals a day is a great way to boost your metabolism (to help you burn fat). Set an alarm on your watch to go off every 3 hours to remind you.
3. Pre-week prep! You can’t eat right unless you have the right foods at your disposal. Try to go shopping and prepare foods on the weekends and mid-week so you won’t find yourself fueling your body with the most convenient choices (which are often times, not the best alternatives)
4. The Recap! Pick up a journal or diary and write it down. Write down what you ate for the day, what your workout was and even give yourself a grade. This self reflection will allow you to identify the steps you need to take to make your efforts more effective.
