Log book

[Sal Paradise]

I didn't really know where to put this one but I am thinking hard on maintaining a log book for the specific exercises and sets/reps of my workouts. I know a lot of people do this and I agree it is a good idea but I have always felt listening to my body is more important. Now I don't necessarily plan of trying to "beat the log book" every workout but use it more as a point of historical reference to pinpoint stagnation and complacency.
This actually came about after an argument with my partner. We had not been dead lifting at all like in years past. When I broached the subject with him he honestly felt we just DL three weeks ago - it was more like 6!!! This will help eliminate that or at least it will give me the tools to notice it and then it's up to me to make the changes.

However - all that being said - I need to know if anyone uses a purchased training book or do you just make something out of a notebook, etc.
Looking for ideas and help here. I think I remember seeing one at Barnes and Nobles but laughed it off at the time.
Maybe I'll be eating a little crow soon - but who knows it may have a good protein content to it!!!!


Sal

[Tim Wescott]

I used to use these printable log:
www.bodybuilding.com/fun/printworklog.htm

I`d print up a ton of them at the college library,use a 3 hole puncher and put them in a bindrr.

You can customize them with your name and the whole 9 yards.

Now I just keep a journal on the board......I`ve got about 6 old log books and they take up spoace after a while.

[beckie]

I keep a notebook with all my workouts and weights/reps listed. thats because I change things round so often and I couldn't keep track otherwise.

[RUBICON19]

I just use a 6 x 8 hard cover notebook. I write in my workout for the week. I always strive to beat the log book. This is the ONLY thing that has ever truly worked for me. You work sooo much harder when you are always trying to beat your best. This is a little nuts, but I use a black pen to write in the exercises and rep range to shoot for and I fill in the weights as well as circle the reps I got in red ink... ;D

[fit]

I keep a small spiral bound notebook in my gym bag and log everything. Good to look back at the progress, etc.

[Rich]

I used to keep a spiral notebook. It's fun looking back over the years. Now I log my workouts on my computer using software I wrote (anyone who wants a copy can have one - just let me know where to e-mail it).

[mrbeefy]

I have used simple log books I picked up at the dollar store (I'm cheap!), and I have also used binders that I can add more loose leaf paper to if need be.

I think keeping a log to write things down is an excellent idea.
I have learned in the past few years to do what works FOR YOU.
DATE everything.

I had written down my projected wo's and diet, etc., and also my thoughts and feelings about how things were or were not working. These have proved INVALUABLE to look back upon to see my progress ( or regress in some instances).

I also wrote down my weight, body fat, blood pressure (mine is high) and even put copies of my blood work in there. I also found it valuable to take pics and include them too, so you can see how you looked at that point in time.

I also broke these down and started a new book whenver I made a serious change in wo and diet, noting the start and end dates. I even have it broken down by contest I prepped for, and trainers I worked with (yea, I'm a paper pusher by trade!)

During one contest prep, I even wrote doen EVERYTHING I spent in prep for a specific contest; food, supps, training, diet, gym dues, registration, transportation, hotel, contest prep stuff (tanning, etc.). You would be surprsied at how much this add's up, but also gives you an idea of what you need to save for the NEXT contest (word of advice, DO NOT let your spouse, or significant other see this part of your journal! ;D)

My future notebook will be more of a day to day journal, as opposed to projecting the future....more to come on that in my next journal here!

Above all, whatever you write or don't write...be brutally honest with yourself. It is YOUR notebook for YOU to learn from.

I look back at mine often, especially the pics and stats.

Good luck with this...it is an excellent step in your progress!

Frank