Online calendars can help with workouts

(CNN) - Sometimes the hardest part of getting into a workout routine is finding the time to do it. But these days, more and more people are turning to the internet to stay on point.

Ken Norton is a competitive cyclist. In order to keep up with a busy training schedule and a full-time job at Google
headquarters in Northern California, he's using a tool he helped develop: the Google calendar.

"My coach is in Tucson and I think 10-years-ago, it wouldn't work out very well for your cycling coach not to be nearby," Norton said. "But with Google calendar, with gmail and with Google docs, we're able to collaborate and keep in touch."

Google isn't the only company offering a free online calendar that can help track your workouts.

Livestrong, Sparkpeople, Bravenet and Yahoo offer versions as well. But, the question is, would you really keep it up with it?

"It's really something when you wake up, look at your calendar and your coach has specifically put in there how long you need to ride for," said Norton. "It's a little hard to dodge that when he has access to it like that."

Norton said staying in touch with his coach via the internet not only helps him stay accountable, but it keeps him motivated.

Of course, before you start any exercise program, make sure to contact your doctor.