Um, how do you keep records [Forum Archive]

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Um, how do you keep records

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Posted by: Mex

So, how do you guys keep a record of your improvements? Do you actually take a notebook to the gym and note what you lifted for everything, or do you just wing it, or do you use pictures...

Reason is, I know I'm improving, but I don't know if I'm going fast or slow... People comment on how much weight I lost, and that I look great, but since muscle is pretty slow to appear...

I measure my bicep every two weeks, and I see small gains. In 6 months I added a bit more than half an inch, while losing lots of weight. But I wonder if I should be going faster.

I train once every five days.

Posted by: Var

I think I have a minor case of OCD, so I dont know if I should admit this. I print out a weeks worth of my workout schedule (GoPro's workout) and log reps x weights while working out. At the end of the week I update the doc, so I can take it to the gym next cycle and try to beat those reps/weights. To further show my compulsive nature, I save copies of each and date them so I can track my progress long term.

Posted by: GodLift

cool idea var! I'm gonna start that

Posted by: maddog1

You can keep any kind of journal you want. I'm a bit more spontaneous with my workout and use alot of biofeedback, with how I look and feel. I have 4-6 exercise I can do for each bodypart, but don't decide which 2-3 I'm going to use that day until I start the workout. For instance, the other day for tri's, I looked at where I was at and how I felt (my bench was lagging a bit from locking out with the arms, and they felt a bit thinner around the elbow) so I thought what could I do to work on this. So I went with heavy straight bar push-downs, which emulate skull crushers and dips about 9 sets total. My arms got pumped and felt solid. My next bench workout went much better (285X12). You gotta see what works for you, whether it is a rigid program or not.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally posted by Mex
Reason is, I know I'm improving, but I don't know if I'm going fast or slow... People comment on how much weight I lost, and that I look great, but since muscle is pretty slow to appear...

I carry a small notebook with me in the gym. I've been doing this for a couple years now and I'm almost done with notebook #2. I do a lot of different exercises, and I could never remember how much weight I used if I try an exercise I have not done in a month. Keeping a record with me helps me use the right amount of weight, and it saves time because I don't have to do two sets just to figure out the right amount of weight I want to use. And seeing on paper how much more I lift now than I did two years ago is very cool.

Posted by: P-funk

Training note book
Diet notebook
progress pics
Ironmagazine.com Journal

Posted by: Mudge

About a 4x6" book to the gym when I do, nowdays I can remember my routine, but on a smaller time scale gains wise it pays to be able to look back and see if you need to make an adjustment or something.

Posted by: NeedMuscleMass

Quote:

Originally posted by Var
I think I have a minor case of OCD, so I dont know if I should admit this. I print out a weeks worth of my workout schedule (GoPro's workout) and log reps x weights while working out. At the end of the week I update the doc, so I can take it to the gym next cycle and try to beat those reps/weights. To further show my compulsive nature, I save copies of each and date them so I can track my progress long term.

Thats me also. At least we havea good OCD lol

Posted by: Mudge

At least you aren't erasing things and writing them over 20 times because its "messy," now thats true OCD.

Posted by: Var

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudge
At least you aren't erasing things and writing them over 20 times because its "messy," now thats true OCD.

I probably would if it werent for Microsoft Word.

Posted by: SJ69

I write my new max benches or new rep highs X weight on the wall behind my bench.
You prob won't get away with that at the gym you lift in.
PB's are easy to remember, just record them in a notebook or index card in your car when you leave the gym, then try to beat them next time, if you do record it if and you have a new goal to beat, if you don't beat it the goal remains the same.

Posted by: Darkkmind

I take a small notebook with me too. I see alot of peeps at the gym also doing the same thing.

Posted by: tjwes

Good workoutr and diet logs at http://www.mikefrancois.com as wellas over at bodybuilding.com

Posted by: Prince

I do not log every set, rep, etc., I do keep a little weekly journal where I write down what each work-out will be for each day of the week, sometimes I add little notes like "heavy day", or if I started a new supplement that day/week.

I tried once in the past carrying around a notebook and writing down each set, the amount weight, reps etc., and it was just too much trouble for me, and I feel that I can remember most of this.

Nor do I write down what I eat each day, actually I really do not need to because it never really changes. I once logged everything I ate for around two months at www.fitday.com and it was very helpful in determining/learning my diet, calories and macros, but again I feel that I can remember this without the daily log.

My current diet is HERE

Posted by: tjwes

I record all my training, but I can remeber it also,I do it at home not in the gym, as I want to stay focused while training.I`ve been training so long it`s not a problem remembering what I did .As far as diet goes ,I only keep a journal when prepping for a contest,otherwise, I just get in all the macros I need from my food with no problem.Keeping a log will help you learn a lot about macros until it`s almost second nature.

Posted by: Var

Quote:

Originally posted by Prince

I tried once in the past carrying around a notebook and writing down each set, the amount weight, reps etc., and it was just too much trouble for me, and I feel that I can remember most of this.

I felt the exact same way until I got used to it. Now I feel really weird if I forget my paper and have to try and remember what weights I used last. I really like having a specific amount of weight and number of reps to try and beat. Again, probably an OCD thing.

Posted by: Pierzin

I have two 7x9 student planner notebooks;
a diet book and workout book,
I would Never remember anything if I didn't write it down.

What is OCD???

Posted by: Prince

OCD = Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Posted by: Av8tor

I keep a 6x9 notebook with all of my meals/supplements, and all of my work-outs.

Posted by: Arthur2004

this is wat i did...

i typed out my goals for this year...and i put my current ones in and gonna update it evey month...its my new years orkout resoloutions...looks like this

http://arthur2004.free-host.com/Resos.txt

Posted by: Cletis2000

Bringing a small notebook to the gym is the way to do it. I write down every set. Before I brought a notebook in I would lose focus between sets, like start daydreaming or thinking how much the next set will hurt. Basically a notebook gives me something productive to do between sets.

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