Keep a walking log

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Top fitness walking tips to help keep you on the right track

Find out how many calories you burn while walking

Keep track of your progress with a pedometer

Why you should keep a walking log book

Keeping a log of your exercise walking is an excellent way to follow your progress over the months. It really helps you appreciate the gains you have made in your fitness walking program.

Keeping a walking log:

If you really want to track the progress of your fitness program then you need to record your activities in a daily walking log. I have been doing this for many years and it helps a lot to be able to look back and see the improvements in your abilities. I also find it useful to check how I am doing compared to my goals.

If you are planning on participating in any walking races, especially the longer distances like a marathon, then a logbook is essential for planning and following a training schedule. This will help to make sure you are properly prepared on race day.

What to Record:

For walking the basic measurement is simply how long you walked. You should also note the distance if you know it. If you use a pedometer then you can record the number of steps. I am always amazed at how many paces we do take in the course of a one hour walk.

You can also note the route you walked, the weather, companions, and anything else you feel is important. Your walking log can become your daily fitness diary!

A walking log is also a good place to record your weight. Usually a weekly notation is enough. Try and record your weight at the same time, for example every Saturday morning, to avoid daily fluctuations.

Logbook Sources:

You can record your walk details online or using a regular logbook. Here are several resources you can check out:

Fitness Journal: http://www.fitnessjournal.org/ This is a comprehensive online fitness log. They require you to join and pay a monthly fee.

“MyWalks” is a free online log. You just have to register and then you can keep track of your walks on their web page. You can choose to either keep your logged walks private so that only you can see them, or make them public and let everyone see them. The web address is http://walking.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm.

“Walking with Attitude” has a 12 week walking log you can download for free at http://www.walkingwithattitude.com/articles_public.php?section=article&id=39

My own favorite is a 53-week walking logbook from Personal Logs.com. They will produce a custom logbook with your name (and your photo if you wish) on the cover. Another good feature is that the logbook is dated and can start any month of the year. You can find out more at http://www.personallogs.com/walkinglogs.php.