How many of you keep a training log?

[MonStar1023]

I would definitely recommend keeping a training and diet log.. that way you know what diet and training routines work for you. With a training log you can record what intensity techniques you use, what type of weight your lifting, etc. etc.

 

[Abbaddon]

I have been doing this so long I dont keep a training log I just try to change up my workouts as much as possible. I think about it constantly. I do recommend that when starting out you should keep a training log to help you get used to it. I seem to be able to mentally do it now. So the only log I use is the scale and the mirror I do however keep a detailed log of my diet seeing is how that is something pretty easy to mess up and I would rather miss a workout than a meal.

 

[b fold the truth]

I have my very first workouts still in a log book. Back when I barely benched 95lbs and tried to squat the smith machine bar and couldn't come up with it for 1 measely rep.

B True

 

[Garza]

I have been keeping one for well over 2 months.

It can be a pain in the butt trying to remember where in the gym you left it but the info is invaluable.

Here is a sample or what mine would look like. Here is an actual workout of mine.

Monday July 23, 2001

Deadlifts 3x3 with 295.
(actual 1x2 and 1x1, damn grip!)

Bent over rows 3x8 with 135
actual 3x8

Pulldowns plate 110 3x8
actual 4x8

Preacher curls 4x5 75 lbs
actual 4x5

Shrugs 205 lbs, 4x5
actual 4x5


Here is a later entry

Monday, August 20, 2001

Back/bicep

Deadlift 2x6 with 265
actual 225 x 2x8 (didnt' want to hurt back again)

T bar rows 3x8 with 100
actual4x8

Pulldowns 4x8 with 120
actual 3x8 with 120 and 1x8 with 110

Barbell curls, standing 3x6 with 80 lbs
actual 1x6 1x4


See, I know exactly what I was supposed to do, and exactly what I did in each routine. If my actual is the same as what I planned to do then I raise my reps or weight. I like being able to refer back to all my workouts.

 

[FitFossil]

I've been keeping a training log for about 1 1/2 years. Starting a training log was a CRITICAL turning point for me. Before, my workouts weren't as focused. I'd waste time figuring out what weight to use for what exercise, or what exercises to do.

Once I started planning my workouts beforehand, I was a lot more efficient. I was also a lot more motivated. If I ever found myself wavering on whether to go to the gym or not, I'd think about that workout I'd written out. I am a list-person, and I like checking things off. The thought of leaving that whole workout blank guilt-tripped me into the gym.

I also like looking back over past workouts and seeing my progress.

 

[Welsh power house]

always have, always will!


it helps you to keep track of how much weight you've gained/lost.

it helps you keep track of strength progress......it alows you to look back and see what worked, what did not.........and helps you keep track of what you eat, cals, protein, carbs and fat intake


logs rule!!!

 

[bigpoppadrew]

I've been keeping a training log for about 1 1/2 years. Starting a training log was a CRITICAL turning point for me. Before, my workouts weren't as focused. I'd waste time figuring out what weight to use for what exercise, or what exercises to do.

Once I started planning my workouts beforehand, I was a lot more efficient. I was also a lot more motivated. If I ever found myself wavering on whether to go to the gym or not, I'd think about that workout I'd written out. I am a list-person, and I like checking things off. The thought of leaving that whole workout blank guilt-tripped me into the gym.

I also like looking back over past workouts and seeing my progress.

I totally agree with that, that is why I keep a log. It's great motivation because if you leave a day blank you will feel like an idiot for missing it. It's also good to keep track of your progress, when you look back at the progress you have made it is also a great motivating factor. I would strongly reccomend starting a log if you do not already.

 

[Skeeter1]

I have done them in the past,and after gathering all the info, reps, sets, wt, diet,ect. in the end, so what. the essence of training is intergration into a lifestyle, for me as long as I train consistantly, record keeping is best for finances. training is to feed my inner being, logs are awaste of time. IMO

 

[tag166]

I write down all my workouts and also diet courses and other courses if you know what i meen.I have done this especially the diet and other courses so when it comes to competition time i am not using to much guess work!

 

[Mjollnir]

Definitely keep a log.

I use a Palm V Palm Pilot, which is very small and fits easily in a pocket, and immediately write down what I've done after each exercise change.

There are numerous weight lifting programs available for cheap, but I just use the Memo Pad function.

It is indeed helpfull to look back to see, for example, how much I did in the lat pull or dead in Aug 2000 to compare to what I've done this August.

YMMV.