Weight Training Log

February 15, 2012 by  
Filed under Weight Training

You can tell whether you are making any progress with the gym workout by keeping a weight training log. When progress is not visible, you thus have the chance to look over the entire workout routine and identify the mistakes. Over-training or under-training, these could be two of the problems. As for the organization of the training log, there are several possibilities: according to the traditional variant, the columns should include the dates, the resistance level and the performed sets. The direct mention of the weight increases could be another essential weigh of organizing the weight training log.

To give just an example of what a log should look like, let’s analyze a column and see how you should interpret it. For example, if last time you trained you did eight sets of bench presses with 205 pounds, on your new session you may hit the same 205 pounds but this time in nine reps.

There is usually no growth in resistance, muscle mass or strength when you train at the same level all the time. The best way to create a weight training log within minutes is to print ready made customized workout sheets.

The weight training log should include a special column in which you can record your weight before every workout. Although weight is not always relevant for the results of gym training, it is sometimes helpful particularly if you try to burn fat and replace it with lean muscle mass. The weight training log should further include a cardio section too. The workouts can be kept track of in relation with the cardio performance. It seems that when performed before the weight training, the cardio routine reduces the intensity of the exercises.

Evolution is easier to track if you include such sections n the weight lifting log.

Mood variations may help with training or can ruin it. If you include a section for mood in the log, you will be able to determine if the success of your exercises is not influenced or impaired by the way you feel when you train. Normally, you wouldn’t be able to make a pertinent observation from one week to another, unless you have this weight training log to check. If high energy levels define your mood at 5 pm every Monday, then, that is a great time to train, but this is just an example of how you can use the mood section in your advantage.

Visit Daniel’s blog and discover more great articles and tips about bodybuilding, weight lifting, fitness, nutrition and weight training equipment reviews.

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