As I was getting back into working out, I was really struggling with how to track my workouts. I used my notes app, tried some different mobile applications, but what I really wanted was a place that I could plan what workouts I would do what day, build workout plans for myself, and track my progress/stats. I started going down a rabbit hole trying to find a free option of how I could do this. All the apps I found were not what I wanted or required me to pay for features and I was just unwilling to do that.
Enter personal training software. Looking back, it’s such a simple solution to the problem I was having. I never considered it because, obviously, I am not a personal trainer or anything of the sort and was just looking to track my personal progress. Now, if you do a quick google search of personal training software you will find that almost all of them require a paid plan. I get it, this is a business tool. However, I stumbled upon Trainerize which has a free plan for up to 2 “clients” and it has been perfect for me. They have lots of add-ons and paid features that you can use if you want and they have lots of mix and match options.
So how does it work?
It was actually pretty simple and intuitive to set up. I made my “coach” account with one email and then set myself up as one of my “clients” with another email, so that I can access my workouts and things on the mobile app. First things first: building a workout plan. They have lots of pre-installed videos and exercises to choose from, but you can add custom ones as well. In the “Master Libraries” section, you can build individual workouts, workout plans, exercises, and even some nutrition and habit tracking.
I use the Workout Programs section the most, as I like to build out workout plans for myself over several weeks. You can plan training phases (I typically do 2 weeks phases, 3-4 phases per training program) and set it up to automatically request stats (weight, measurements, etc) and progress photos at the beginning or end of each phase or as often as you feel is necessary.
I set up my workouts… now what?
After I got all of my workout plans set up and ready to go, I added myself as a client so I could assign myself a workout plan. Within each client, you can assign a workout or workout plan, nutrition goals, habit tracking and more. I primarily use the workout tracking and loosely use the nutrition tracking (I’m working on getting better at this).
Working Out: General Tips
One of the main things about working out is finding your consistency. Figuring out what works best with your schedule a sticking to it. This is what works for me, helps me stay on track, and lets me see my progress all at the same time. I can’t recommend it enough. Your goals in the gym don’t have to be losing weight. It could be gaining muscle, just moving your body because it feels good, or doing it for your mental health. I am certainly trying to do all of those things.
