Competitive athletes always keep exercise diaries, and I encourage all my patients to do the same. When you record your progress in your journal, you have a written record that is a positive reminder of the healthy changes you are making in your life. An exercise diary is a great way to:

- Make yourself accountable for each day.
- See changes and real improvements on paper.
- Help your mind focus on the goal at hand each and every day.
- See how changes were made so that you can maintain your progress (and even review what to do if you get off track).
- If you suffer an injury, you can go back to your diary and see if you can figure out what caused the problem.
- Share your success and strategies with others who need help.

You can use a calendar with large date boxes, a pocket appointment diary, or any plain notebook. If you