Subjective fitness assessments are great. I want my future clients to come to me and say things like "I feel better today" and "my pants fit!" and "wow, you're an amazing trainer." Well, the last one has nothing to do with fitness assessments, but you know.
Despite the effectiveness and importance of subjective assessments, it is widely accepted that objective, quantitative gauges are preferred by the majority of people trying to make fitness improvements. People like numbers. Pounds, inches, time, reps, steps, miles ... things like that. They're tangible, easily trackable (not a word), and can't be interpreted in any way other than black and white.
As a would-be trainer that plans to be as motivational as possible, I embrace all kinds of quantitative assessments. But I also have a new favorite that you should try: President Obama's Challenge.
I could spend a looong time describing this, but I'll try and keep it short. The Challenge is free and super simple to use - you log in, choose the activities you do on a regular basis, provide some (very basic) starting information, and you're rolling. You then use it each day to track your activity, and it assigns point values based on duration, intensity and activity. As you amass points, you collect "Awards." Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc. You can also compare your progress against other members, people in the same city/age group/location, etc. Certain gyms (like the Mission Valley Y, where I intern and lead running classes) develop their own sub-groups so you can track your progress against friends, team-members, etc.
I love the tool for its simplicity and intrinsic motivational element. It immediately adds accountability to an exercise regimen and also something exciting to work toward. I'd be lying if I said I didn't geek out a bit when I achieved my bronze and silver awards (I'm 5,000 points from the gold).
I plan to use it to help clients stay on track, monitor their progress, and be more engaged in their fitness. I think it will work for you too. What do you think? What do you do now to keep track of the work you put in to feel better/lose weight/improve your running times? Does it work?
I love that you discovered this for us! I love keeping track of my fitness, but usually do it on my little calendar. This is such a user-friendly way to do it. I thrive off of getting those points; it helps to keep me motivated. Great info!
ReplyDeleteYay! Good luck with it. I know your husband will likely also help keep you motivated.
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