Keep Your Workouts on Track!

This is the time of year when our New Year’s motivation seems to wane. Our robust enthusiasm to begin a new fitness routine has worn off a bit and we may be struggling to stay on track. We not only need the support of our friends to keep us going but I’ve found that one of the best strategies to keep motivated is to have a goal. Secondly, you should have a plan to monitor your workouts so you can achieve those goals.

What’s the good news? It’s easier now than ever to track your workouts with the help of technology. I’ve always kept track of my workout routines. I have pocket calendars going back years that document what I did for workouts everyday. Even now I physically write down my goals and what I do for daily workouts on a paper calendar. I personally like the idea of writing the goals down on paper. When I complete my scheduled workout I don’t cross it off the list but I instead circle it to highlight the fact that I followed through. This may seem archaic but for me it still works. You can also do something similar on your computer. Tracking your fitness with technology is the trend right now. I’m learning to use an Apple watch to monitor my daily activity but for running I’m still using my Garmin watch to track pace, time, and distance. Fortunately, the luxury of technology can literally track every moment of your day not to mention your nights. You have tons of options available such as Apple watches, Fitbits, Garmins, TomToms, and the list goes on.

4 Questions to Consider When Buying a Fitness Tracker:

1. What is your primary form of exercise? If you’re a runner consider technology that includes a GPS. Also consider if you’re a triathlete that needs to track more than one activity or a swimmer that requires water resistance to a specific depth.
2. Do you want to track your heart rate or sleep patterns? Not all devices have these features and some devices require additional equipment for heart monitoring.
3. What is your budget? Fitness trackers can begin as low as $30.00 but can run you into the hundreds. Decide what you want to spend before you purchase so you can keep you budget on track too!
4. For Fitness and/or Fashion? Consider the size and weight as well as the style of the tracker. The tracker should fit securely but not be cumbersome or too heavy on your wrists. Definitely look for comfort if you’ll be wearing it for longer runs or events. Find a tracker that’s also fashionable so you’re more likely to wear it daily!

I also suggest enlisting the advice of friends who are active in the same sport as you are and seek the advice of an expert salesperson. If you’re not in the market for technology, get out your calendar, write out a plan, and track it on paper. Oh, and grabbing a workout partner helps too!

Thank you to Best Buy Eau Claire for participating in this Fitness Fashion Friday segment!

Products featured in video:
*Misfit Flash Fitness & Sleep Monitor: Price: $29.99, On Sale for $19.99, thru 2/20/16.
*Jawbone UP2 Wireless Activity and Sleep Tracker: $95.99.
*Fitbit Charge Wireless Activity Wristband: $129.99, On Sale for $99.99, thru 2/20/16.
*Garmin Forerunnner 15, GPS Running Watch: $119.99.
*TomTom Spark Cardio + Music GPS Fitness Watch: $249.99.
*Apple Watch: My own, also available at Best Buy.

Here’s to finding your style,™ – Kim

*kimbentley, LLC is not responsible for product availability or pricing.
*Pricing and availability may change without notice.