For Christmas last year, I was gifted a 16-week fitness journal from a Secret Santa to whom I had mentioned my recent obsession with working out and keeping track of my fitness.
The gift couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I was getting more and more fascinated with tracking my daily food intake and how many minutes I spent exercising. This new journal, however, didn’t leave much room for calorie counting.
The Fitlosophy fitness journal incorporates standard journaling features with fitness tracking in a body-positive way. The journal focuses less on exact numbers and more on big picture changes and mental and physical well-being.
Switching from calculated fitness journaling, which left me frustrated and exhausted by the end of the week, to a more holistic and goal-oriented form of journaling did wonders for my self-esteem. It provided me with a different way of looking at and understanding my body.
I was less focused on an external appearance and more focused on an internal experience. I found that I was working out better, eating healthier, and actually seeing the results I wanted just from changing my mindset about the process.
If you’re looking to create your own body-positive fitness journal, here are my tips for what to include to create an inspiring and encouraging journaling experience.
1. Three moments of gratitude
Include a section in your journal to jot down three things you’re grateful for each day. These can be as simple as appreciating your family or friends, or more specific by touching upon particular special moments in the day.
Image source: Carl Attard
2. Daily Goal
Write down a goal each morning for how you aim to live your life in a fit way. Whether that means taking the stairs up the parking structure or treating yourself to a dessert, daily goals that are achievable are great ways to keep motivation high.
3. Body Appreciation
Use another section of your journal to write down one thing that you appreciate about your strong body. It’s important to keep in mind all of the muscles, bones, and small strengths your body is comprised of makes you unique.
Image source: Pixabay
4. Reflect on your mood
This could be as simple as using a smiley or frown-y face to evaluate your overall day, but could later be helpful in correlating what kinds of foods or workouts positively or negatively influenced your mood.
5. Inspiration
Write down something that inspired you that day. I’m inspired daily by my friends, favorite fitness icons, and even strangers!
I’ve always struggled with maintaining a positive body image. My self-esteem rises and falls depending on the day but with journaling, I’ve found a way to channel some of my frustration into an outlet in which I can think more positively and holistically about my fitness journey.
Cover photo source: Jessica Lewis