One of the best ways to keep your fitness training on track is to use a journal. It doesn't have to be anything fancy; a basic Mead notebook you can buy from the grocery store will do just fine. In this trusty handbook, you'll list your workout for the next few weeks, including goal reps and sets you hope to complete, based on your current fitness standard.

While working out, be sure to list the exercises you performed; the amount of weight you used (or the amount of time spent on a machine if you are chronicling your cardiovascular progress); the settings on a seat or bar, if applicable; how many reps you completed; how many sets, etc. The more detailed your journal is, and the more methodical you are in keeping it updated, the more you'll benefit from it.

Keeping this training log will not only provide you with a blueprint for building the body you desire, but it will also help provide you with inspiration to keep forging ahead.