When you're not trying to remember sets/reps/tempo/other bull****, when all you're trying to remember is how much weight you could put up for 1 rep, it's pretty easy

I'm not there Ex, still trying to build a framework. I don't know if I'll get to a point that I'm only looking at 1 RM. But hey, I'm going to keep at it.

I have been training for 15 years and used logs for about a month in total.
While I like the logging, it slows me down and breaks my concentration.

I suppose for some it might help them focus on the task at hand, but not for me.

I couldnt' train without a log book. I actually don't use a book but instead my pocket pc with an excel spreadsheet. That way I can view it on my computer also. I get kinda pumped up knowing, for example, that I'm at 315x8 on the squat while I was at 225x10 not so long ago...and knowing exactly what my goal is next workout (315x9) gets me riled up to make that improvement.

But i train alone and at home...I can understand why, at a gym, someone may not want to carry around a notebook or a $500 pocket computer.

I love my logbook, I cant live without it

Define "logbook"


No, I dont bring a notebook to the gym. I do, however, keep a record of some lifts and all my meauserments on my computer at home.

dry erase & protrack software. pretty friendly.

i make up weekly workouts on an excell spread sheet and print them out. i mark down what i lifted the week before so i know to bump this weeks workout up.

if you train balls to the wall every time theres no need for a logbook. even if you are weaker, you are still training balls to the wall.....so who needs one?

I just bring my computer to the gym yea it can be a PIA trying to find an outlet carrying the key board, monitor etc but it REALLY has helped me.



CROWLER

Originally Posted by Boss_K

if you train balls to the wall every time theres no need for a logbook. even if you are weaker, you are still training balls to the wall.....so who needs one?

If you are getting weaker you are doing something wrong. As long as you are getting stronger constantly you don't need a logbook.

I like what Doggcrapp says. Something about going to war against the f*cking logbook! If you don't beat your previous weight, than you have to beat the previous reps by at least 2 or the logbook won the war. You than have to find another exercise for that bp and kill your log until it finally beats you again.

I thought that sounded like some bad ass sh*t.

I've been using two for years. One for exercise, other for diet, notes, supplements, weight etc. Even if I eat **** or whatever, I keep track.

I just started using one today. You can buy it on ebay in 20 years when im MR. O

I used to log everything the first few years into it.. weights, supplements, food, sleep, etc. But, for the last 7 years, I just write results on my daily calendar following my workout & keep track that way. I no longer track my food intake, but have a good grasp on what does & does not work for me as far as intake.

I really can't imaging training without a diet log and workout log. The whole point of doing what we're doing is to achieve results. Since changes are often slow and hardly noticeble we need to be able to measure and review where we are.

If you're adding "chemicals" you'll put yourself in serious harm if you can't track what's going where and what its doing to you.

I believe if you're serious about your body and training, you'll take the time to log.

Originally Posted by captain chet

i make up weekly workouts on an excell spread sheet and print them out. i mark down what i lifted the week before so i know to bump this weeks workout up.

Same here..Can't live without it. If i'm not making progress, then it's time to change it up..

I don't use one because it seems like everytime I use one, i don't enjoy myself at the gym because I feel like its a straight routine and I can't vary it up much. Guess I'm a free weight lifting thinker?

bump to barnes and noble....got mine there...it has a spot for measurements, goals, how you felt that day, cardio, warm ups...pretty much everything...i think mine was 15$...GREAT INVESTMENT

Originally Posted by natedogg

Bringing common sense to one Beelzebub at a time.

While I use one and find it invaluble for guaging my progress I rarely see anyone else at my gym using one. OTOH most of the people at my gym look exactly the same now as they did last year. Think there might be a connection?

www.fitnessfirstusa.com sells good ones for like 5$. Protien charts, measurement charts, various exercise routines. Probally better for a beginner or the sort, but still nice.

Remember those little green hard back books you used in the Marines? That's what I use. And it was free.

Originally Posted by natedogg

Remember those little green hard back books you used in the Marines? That's what I use. And it was free.

I would use mine but it has a big 53 on it for my sock number!

Can yo uimagine all the " what does that stand for" questions I would get!

Originally Posted by revodrew

I would use mine but it has a big 53 on it for my sock number!

Can yo uimagine all the " what does that stand for" questions I would get!

The number of times you took it up the...butt it's very durable. Just write over it.

a notebook works just fine, as long as you record the important facts. Gains, reps, weights, how you felt. how much you weigh

Nate, do you use a seperate log book for all the times that Beelzbub ****s all over you in here?

I use a pocket-size notebook (4.5 x 3.25 in) with a pen clipped to it. I keep it in my pocket when I workout, pull it out to write my exercise and totals after each exercise and flip back through for easy reference.

training without a log = a disadvantage

Definately think the log is an advantage. I train each set to failure each time I train, and for now I am still gaining strength. With the logbook, I know if I am adding weight or performing additional reps. It's easier for me to see the progression, reinforces my determination and helps identify sticking points.

too much extra crap. i just push hard every time and hope to see the progress move up. i dont change my workout but every 12 weeks anyways so its easier to keep track.