[natedogg]

I was in the gym tonight and noticed that hardly anyone uses a logbook to keep track of their workout. In fact, I don't think I saw a single person with a logbook. I've noticed this before. How is one to gauge his or her progress? Guess? I don't understand it. I believe having a logbook is a very important part of training. It tells you when you've hit a plateau on a particular exercise meaning it's time to move on. Exact weights you've used on previous workouts. How many reps were done, and if those reps were rest paused or straight sets or whatever. I also like throwing in notes on how I felt or how long the workout was. I mean the list goes on and on. I feel that when I use a logbook, that I must beat my previous best on a particular exercise or else I have failed. It gives you something to shoot for. A purpose if you will. I'd just like to know how everyone else thought about it.

[kwyckemynd00]

Tell us how your routine goes! Keep it logged...

[punta]

I dont, but I plan on trying one they seem like a good investment.

[joecski]

I have used a log for the past two years now. On each page there is a section for cardio, strength training, and diet/notes. There is also a weekly wrap-up to record gains, losses, thoughts, and week ending weight. I have found this to be a very effective method of measuring progress and a motivational tool. After all, we all want to continue getting better, and this lets you know where you are slowing down, slipping, etc. I use the diet section to record my supplement routine for the day. This way I can gauge what supplements I am getting the best results with. I doubt I could be as effective without my log and really couldn't imagine working out without one.

[natedogg]

Originally Posted by kwyckemynd00

Tell us how your routine goes! Keep it logged...

I just might. Lemme get my **** together first.

[pcn]

Originally Posted by joecski

I have used a log for the past two years now. On each page there is a section for cardio, strength training, and diet/notes. There is also a weekly wrap-up to record gains, losses, thoughts, and week ending weight. I have found this to be a very effective method of measuring progress and a motivational tool. After all, we all want to continue getting better, and this lets you know where you are slowing down, slipping, etc. I use the diet section to record my supplement routine for the day. This way I can gauge what supplements I am getting the best results with. I doubt I could be as effective without my log and really couldn't imagine working out without one.

Where did you get yours? Ive always just used a cheap spiral pocket notebook, but like the idae of a structured book, especially with an area for diet. Thanks.

[natedogg]

Personally I used a plain green hardbacked lined notebook. These are very durable. I got mine from the military, but I'm pretty sure you can get them from Staples or Kinkos or one of those kinds of stores. This way I can structure it the way I want to, not by someone elses standards.

[ProBuck]

I did for the first three years but I stopped about 8 months ago.

[-2z-]

A plain spiral works good for me. It's about half size or so.

[kelsey]

log it on your computer and print it off,
(after your workouts)

[joecski]

Originally Posted by pcn

Where did you get yours? Ive always just used a cheap spiral pocket notebook, but like the idae of a structured book, especially with an area for diet. Thanks.

Look in any bookstore. I picked mine up in Barnes and Noble, but I saw a few in Borders as well. Some are very detailed, offering a separate page for dietary information. The one I have covers a full year, two days a page with a weekly wrap up. I have also seen some logs online that you can just print, but it was easier to use this book. I think I paid like $15 or so for it. Hope this helps.

[milwood]

used to do it, now I don't. I wanna be on top of things, so I like the idea of journaling, laying out weeks, routines, changes, etc. Keeping notes, logs-sort of. I don't wanna log every damn rep anymore, however, and weight, etc. It's too much work and I found it to take some fun out of it. I suppose I may change my mind again some time. Especially if I am doing a specific cycle and so on, and I want to track very specific goals. Dammit, now I'm feeling guilty for being a slacker!

[jweave23]

I use Excel and make my own cutsom logbooks, been doing this for years now I started to when in high school football, they made us. After that I didn't for a bit, and it was a stupid thing to do. You can "remember" things all you want, but written records don't lie and will show you progress over time, I can't believe alot of people at my gym don't either.

[g4ud1n]

I used to, but now I do everything instinctively I guess. But I still keep in my mind how many sets I do and which exercises I have done. The weights I'm moving around don't really bother me much because I'm not a powerlifter.

[doggzj]

I should, but I find I can remember what I used and how many reps, so I know when I'm at a platue or not

[The Reporter]

Dave Draper has a nice one called Iron and Steel Training Journal. $12.00 at davedraper.com and he autographs it for you too.

[exnihilo]

I generally find keeping a log is a pain in the ass. I know pretty well what my PRs are for the different ME moves I do, though sometimes the weight I'm moving won't seem to go up in assistance exercises and it'd be nice to have a record there... I'm making great gains lately so it's not as much of an issue as if I were plateaued.

[for]

using a logbook gives me goals each and every time i step into the gym

[glenihan]

i use one ... if i didn't i'd never remember what i did for an exercise the last time i did it 3 weeks ago