Google Weighs In With Some Tips

My earlier post on trying to find some motivation to get moving using technology got a response from the folks at Google, who suggested some other ways to use that company's online tools for fitness and health purposes. One takes my resolve to use Google Calendar to gently prod me into working out a step further: They suggested that I create a separate exercise calendar, then share it with my significant other and—if I had one—my trainer. That way my cheerleaders could see my exercise plans and, if I'm playing Scrabble on Facebook when I'm supposed to be running, subtly remind me that eight months of eating Oreos for breakfast isn't going to reverse itself without some sweat equity on my part.

The other tool is something I haven't used before—Google Docs, which lets you create and share online documents and spreadsheets. Jason Freidenfelds, who works in Google's communications and public affairs department, pointed out this link as a source of ready-made documents with a fitness slant, including training plans and calorie counters.

Have a look. I'm already eyeing Google Docs for tracking my workouts online, something that I've always done in a spiral notebook.