How important is a training journal?

[MaGilicuti]

I'm thinking of bringing a journal to the gym from now on. I have this self consciousness about me and don't want to come off as corny. How important is it to you people that do bring a journal. Do you notice you push yourself more?

 

[diamonddiceclay]

if you have a good memory, you don't need a journal

 

[ccc]

I kept a diet journal for a short time a few years ago when my progress started to drop. WHen you write down everything that goes into your mouth you may be surprised. Also, you can keep track of progress so you can adjust diet accordingly.

 

[diamonddiceclay]

he asked about a TRAINING journal, not a diet journal-A DIET JOURNAL IS A GREAT THING TO KEEP

 

[Exodus]

i have a great memory...... for example i didnt study in high school and i dont study in college........ but i remember enough to have 3.0 gpa

its your call....... but when i see on paper what i am acomplishing...... it makes me feel a lot better.

plus i hate guessing the wrong weight........ too light or too heavy..... it doesnt matter they both suck.

X

 

[gymtime]

I think if you have the patience for it, a training journal will only help you out. It will keep you focused and allow you to monitor your progress better. It will help especially if you have certain specific goals in mind that you're trying to attain.

 

[big4life]

I keep one, always have. They're a great way to chart your progress and see what works for you. I can look at an old one if I feel like I've reached a plateau in my training, and see what has helped in the past.

 

[NateDogg]

if you have a good memory, you don't need a journal

Are you saying that you can remember the weight, # of reps, whether or not you went to failure on a particular set, what exercises you did and how you felt that day, back far enough to determine whether or not you have made progress. If so, more power to you and you had better be using that memory for good and not evil. However, I consider myself to have an excellent memory, but still keep a training log. Why remember it when you don't have to?

NateDogg

 

[CARPATHIAN FOREST]

Look at it this way, it can only help, not hurt, so if you've been
thinking about it, give it a try for a couple of weeks. You can
always toss it in the can if you don't like it.

 

[DR. NOE]

I have always kept training records. They come in very handy, you can see what routines work and which ones don't. I also keep track of my weight for each day, supplements takens, exercises, sets and reps.