Who keeps a training log?

[Tarheel]

I do.

Why at the gym I write down everything I do on a notecard. Doesn't take that much time and its great to look back and see where I'm gaining or not gaining. Also makes it easier to setup a new routine when I see what movements I do most often and which ones I "forget" to do.

 

[bishonen]

Have since I started working out. It's an essential part of progressing.

 

[rippedtrojan]

i usually do. at certain times for a few weeks i may not though. that's when i just go to the gym without any planned workout and just lift whatever lifts i want to lift.

 

[Greek Freak]

did it for a little bit to motivate me, now I know everything by heart. I also train slightly instinctivly(exercise selection) so a training log would be a mess..but I might start charting some progression soon.

 

[Tarheel]

Once every week or 2 weeks I like to write down my weight, and measurements of chest, arms, legs, etc.

Also make nutritional or supplemental notes in the log too.

 

[coolcolj]

I log the sets and reps and weights I do now, started a month ago. along with photos and measurements.

I sure have come a long way

its good to have a history and road signs to look back on - makes awesome reading on rainy days

 

[Mildot]

I do.
In fact, I have four, one for each day of my split plus one for cardio.
I can't imagine lifting without one!
I can't remember where I put my keys, let alone how many reps I was able to bang out on my last set of wrist curls seven days ago!

 

[Mjollnir]

I do.

I have four years of weight and rowing workouts in a handy Palm V that I take w/me to the gym.

There are certain programs that one can buy that will track progress w/graphs, tables, etc...but I consider them pretty worthless. I just use the notepad function. It works fine.

 

[Nico Cujo]

I've been keeping one for years. I use EXCEL and have different worksheets for things. The worksheets include my training cycle,
PR's, meet totals, goals, bloodwork, and supplements.

 

[Tarheel]

Sweet!

I'm the only person I've ever seen in the gym that uses one. Do many folks use them where ya'll lift?

 

[Shankerr]

I just started again, I got away rom it for a few months, I just use a 'lil notebook, its great to be able to flip back through and see where you came from

 

[AMBB4L]

I log everything -- exercises, weight, reps, sets, and total time for set. Sometimes i also write time times for the negative and the positive.

 

[SofaGeorge]

I've logged my workouts for 20 years. I have more than 10 years of journals stacked in my garage.

I've worked out for periods without them, but I find I make GAINS better when I use them. They are motivation. If I did 8 reps at a weight last week I'm going to push to get 9 cleans ones this week.

Workout logs let you see improvement every week.

When I train without them I THINK I keep track of everything in my head, but I don't really track these small gains the same way.

Also, logs have let me spot injuries coming. If I see a pattern of the weight/reps going down... I know something is wrong.

 

[sorerotators]

I wokout at home. I got a entire wall with poster board taped up.
And columns broken down for each bodypart and exercise written on them.

I used to always use a book and i got training logs from 14 yrs ago. But decided to do this about a year ago. It works out great. Instead of having to write each exercise out i just add numbers (i.e reps/sets) to the column.

 

[louden_swain]

I put everything on a 3 x 5 inch index card. Keeping a log allows me to beat last weeks performance.

 

[Lord_Suston]

no, but I am gonna start and post