Workout Planners:
For beginners starting their workout journey, it can be daunting to know where to start. You want to jump right in and strike while the iron is hot! But, you also want to record your progress and help keep yourself on track. That’s where a workout planner is helpful. What is the best workout planner for beginners though?
There are many ways to track your workouts. This handy list is here to help you decide where to start. We’re featuring four broad categories with different personalization levels and set-up times. Each section will contain an overview of how this method works and some pros and cons for each.
Remember: This isn’t permanent. Even if you decide to start with a regular notebook today, there’s no reason you can’t jump into a workout planner if your needs change.
With that out of the way, let’s find the best workout planner for beginners.
The Spreadsheet:
Ah, the classic calc sheet. Who doesn’t love finagling with formatting a proper date cell? Your options in this category fall in the digital realm and include software such as:
- LibreOffice Calc
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Sheets
So, what perks does the spreadsheet bring?
Pros:
Options for every PC & Browser:
Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel are both available through the browser. Provided you have a Google account or a Microsoft account, you can access the respective software from anywhere with an internet connection and browser. LibreOffice Calc will work on just about every mainstream OS. You will have to install it from LibreOffice’s site, unless you’re running Linux. Calc will be installed on most major distributions of Linux.
Low-Cost Barrier to Entry:
All options have free versions available. LibreOffice Calc is open-source. So, it may ask for donations from time to time, but you will always have access to every feature for free. Microsoft has free versions of all its software, but it locks certain things behind a paywall. Google Sheets is also free but does count toward your cloud storage.
At the time of writing this, every Google account receives 15GB of cloud storage free. If you use anything else, such as Photos or Drive, you may need to delete items or pay more for storage. But, it is free to get started on all these platforms.
Moderate Customization:
You can color coordinate, change layouts, and use any labels you want. You can even set up cells to perform calculations. Say, tracking your weight difference throughout your journey. Most programs also let you create separate sheets in the same file. You could use these to track different measurements, like the pages in a planner.
What are the downsides to using a spreadsheet as a beginner’s workout planner?
Cons:
Data Loss:
If you’re using an online format, you run the risk of your provider deleting your data. Applications like Google Sheets carry the risk of years of data disappearing one day. Corruption can also happen on your devices, but you have more control on your system.
Higher Learning Barrier:
It’s easy to get started if you’re looking to just enter your workout and number of reps. But, if you want to get more advanced it can be trickier to do. If you’ve never used spreadsheet software before, or it’s been a long time, you could destroy your current log.
This could be as harmless as adding extra columns or as bad as deleting entire sections. There are plenty of tutorials across the web to help you. This means you may have to spend a weekend focusing on brain gains over muscle gains.
Not Gym Friendly:
For gym-goers, there’s no real easy way to drag your laptop of PC with you. If you’re using a cloud based service, then you could use your phone. You’re most likely taking it with you anyway. However, the smaller screen, if not your usual mode, could make it challenging to enter your information. This increases the likelihood of hitting an option that alters of deletes your data.
TL;DR:
If you’re planning to work out at home and prefer digital, a spreadsheet application can be a great low-cost start option..
The Standard Notebook:
Good ol’ analog. Your options here run anywhere from standard composition notebooks to Traveler style set-ups. Why does a simple notebook make a good workout planner for beginners?
Pros:
Physical engages the brain more:
There have been countless studies that boast the benefits of handwriting. This includes improving memory retention, and motor skills, and deepening the connection made with the subject matter. If it’s staying at the forefront, you’re going to be more likely to stick with it.
Lower-Cost Potential:
This option can be as inexpensive of expensive as you make it. If you’re focusing on cost-effectiveness, a simple $1 composition notebook can serve you well.
Customizable:
There are hundreds of options to pick from. You have a variety of sizes and paper types. Pocket, A6, A5, Trade, Letter, Lined, Grid, Dot, and Blank. This doesn’t even get into the different binding and cover styles. You can create your own workout-focused bullet journal.
Of course, for every benefit, there is a negative.
Cons:
More Components:
Your trusty paper cannot serve you without a pen. Thankfully, this isn’t a huge setback. Not matter the type of notebook you pick, there should be a place for you to hook the pen on. Be it on the cover, through coil-wire binding, or even a pen loop.
More Permanent:
Since you’ll need to create your layout, not matter how complex or simple, there’s more room for errors. If you’re using a pen there’s a chance you could label a column wrong and now you have to fix it. You have a few options. There’s trusty Whiteout, gluing some plain cardstock paper over the shameful page, or just completely tearing that page out. It’s still more work to fix compared to digital.
Longer Set-Up Time:
When creating a layout from scratch, that blank page can be daunting. Depending on what kind of set-up you’re going for, you could spend a weekend or even a week, deciding on the layout. If you have a template already in mind, you’ll still have to spend time labeling every page as needed.
TL;DR:
For the analog crowd who work out at home or on the go, a basic notebook is a great starter option. If you’re looking for customization or have a unique workout plan, the unlimited notebook options provide you with plenty of freedom to carve your path.
A Basic Planner:
A traditional planner is good for someone looking for more structure from the get-go. This is a great workout planner for beginners, if you’re looking for guidance. Why?
Pros:
Variety of Options:
Similar to notebooks, there’s a planner out there for everyone. Their differences are less on the outside and more on the inside. You can find monthly, weekly, and even daily layouts. There are also plenty of hybrid styles that may be a weekly planner but offer a few monthly overview sections. How each planner structures their pages will differ as well, so you’re sure to find a set-up that works for you.
More Structure:
The general guidance of a planner offers more structure. They provide a useful starting point filling the pages through the pre-made sections. While the blank page phenomenon is still there, it can be less duanting to have some guides laid out. Compare that with the blank notebook where you place the first ink drop.
Easier to get Started:
Since planners will have pre-made templates set up, you can begin recording your workouts sooner. It may take a moment to figure out how exactly you plan to bend these pages to your use, but it’s much less tedious than creating each box and border yourself.
Sturdier:
If you’re paying more, most planners are a little sturdier than your composition notebooks. This can be from the actual binding and cover to the paper quality.
What are the less-than-stellar parts of using this as your beginner’s workout log?
Cons:
Less Customization:
What pre-made planners offer in structure, is often taken in the form of customization. While you have months already laid out for you, or daily sections labeled, you’ll have to get more creative on how you use them. This means if you want a column or row dedicated to a specific exercise group, you’ll have to figure out how to work that in.
Somewhat Pricier:
If you go the planner route, you’re going to spend a pretty penny compared to your baseline notebook. There are more cost-effective planners of course, but those are basic monthly and weekly styles. If you want more structure, but still keep a level of freedom, you’re going to spend more. Planners with coil binding will also cost more but can make recording your workouts much easier.
Too Generic:
Bigger fitness enthusiasts looking to track meticulous details of their fitness journey have better options. You’ll often find you won’t have enough space to record various sets or exercises. The best option would be a daily planner. But, if you want to record quarterly measurements, you’ll have to get creative with how you do that.
TL;DR:
Another great workout planner for beginners. This is better geared to those looking for a more routine and structure to get them started. Also for anyone looking to just track healthy habits like daily walks or full-body routines at least a couple of times a week.
An Official Workout Planner:
Let’s up our planning and tracking game. If you like the idea of more structure and focus that a planner-style page can provide but want it tailored to fitness, then look no further. What you need is a workout log. You may know this type of planner by many names, such as workout log, fitness tracker, fitness diary, and more.
So, what makes this a great workout planner for beginners that are dedicated to fitness?
Pros:
Structured with Freedom in Mind:
Like basic planners, a workout tracker gives you starting guides. It helps you overcome blank page syndrome by providing a sense of direction. Unlike basic planners, it’s tailored to recording your workout sessions and fitness goals rather than your agenda. This means you’ll have a spot dedicated to recording your Hindu Squats.
Goal-Focused:
The structured pages provide you with sections to not only log your workout sessions but also record other fitness metrics. A good workout journal will have pages for you to track your measurements and your workout. An even better workout journal will also have a way for you to set your goals and record personal bests.
More Permanent:
You may be asking why permanence is a positive here, but a negative in notebooks. In that section, I focused on layout mistakes during set-up. Here, I’m focusing on the mental aspect. When you record your workout in pen, you’re setting it in stone. This helps create a greater sense of importance in your mind, thus maintaining momentum to achieve your goals.
Now, what downsides does a workout planner have?
Cons:
Pricier:
There is a literal cost to pay for this tailored option. Most workout journals will cost more than your run-of-the-mill notebooks and planners. However, they are more cost-effective compared to other luxury and niche planners. The benefits of this option often balance out with the price.
Less Customization:
While a workout log does offer more freedom in comparison to basic planner pages, it is still more restrictive in comparison to blank-page journals. Good workout journals need to be specific enough to give you the ability to jump right in, but enough freedom to tailor to your workout routine.
More permanent:
Yes. This is both a con and a pro. While you can’t mess up on your layout, you could pen the wrong information. We’ve all been there at the start of the new year, we keep writing last year’s ending digits instead of the current year.
TL;DR:
The best workout planner for beginners and fitness enthusiasts, newbies, or veterans. Those who like to work out at home or the gym will reap the benefits of a sturdy planner tailored toward their goals. Gym-goers have a travel-friendly option made to withstand the lifestyle. This is for anyone looking to make a serious change in their fitness game by setting and tracking their goals, recording their progress, and watching the change unfold in real-time.
Wrap-Up:
With so many options, how would one pick? What is the best workout planner for beginners? My vote would be for an official workout planner. Which one though? I obviously have a bias, but the Black Label Workout Log from ThunderSteed is my choice.
From its versatile and functional design to its sleek exterior, this planner has everything. I can track body weight exercises along with my HIIT and cardio. I know others use it to track their pyramid-based routines. There are also pages to record personal bests, weekly measurements, and set S.M.A.R.T goals.
The coil binding and color combo add to the functional and aesthetically pleasing design. To quote Deion Sanders, “If you look good, you feel good, If you feel good, you play good.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the Black Label Workout Log you can check out the shop listing here. Or if Amazon is more your style, it’s also listed there.
