Thread: logs

At first I thought you meant a log as in wood and I was thinking there would be few people on this site who actually would.

Anyways, yes, I do use a log. I consider it one of the most important tools I have in that it allows me to constantly track my progress and critique my routine for any improvements I can possibly think of.

Nope. I just go by reps/weights and the mirror.

I always use not only a log but a full written program to follow.

Originally Posted by P-funk

I always use not only a log but a full written program to follow.

Yeah. I have a written program I aim to follow each day. I write down little comments like to add more weight, change an exercise, etc. and I also record what I eat, my BW and my waist measurement every day so I know if I'm making progress over time.

Definantly. I almost always go to failure during my workouts, so I dont have a pre-set number of reps I'm going to do. I would go crazy trying to remember everything. I also like to note certain things that may happen during sets that would make me lose a rep or two. Like, "Temp. lost balance during rep x while doing squats". Or, "some tool tryed talking to me while I was in the middle of dumb bell chest press". I like to know where every stands.

Originally Posted by Squaggleboggin

Yeah. I have a written program I aim to follow each day. I write down little comments like to add more weight, change an exercise, etc. and I also record what I eat, my BW and my waist measurement every day so I know if I'm making progress over time.

I try and program out 4-5weeks min. a head of time.

Originally Posted by P-funk

I try and program out 4-5weeks min. a head of time.

I just go week by week and take off when I see signs of overtraining. Eventually I'm sure I'll plan out my periodization with more accuracy though. I would do even more than a week, but I'm never sure which lifts I'll be progressing in. Whatever works I guess.

Always. I generally know what I'm going to do when I hit the gym too, although I occasionally make an adjustment on the fly for one reason or another.

Do you guys do the same work out for like a month at a time, then switch it up, or what? How can you keep track if you are getting stronger or not through a log if you switch the workout up each time?

Originally Posted by Steele20

Do you guys do the same work out for like a month at a time, then switch it up, or what? How can you keep track if you are getting stronger or not through a log if you switch the workout up each time?

My loading parameters will shift through for a few weeks adn then come back to the begining (like undulating periodization). Or I will load up my volume and then unload. I will keep the exercises the same for a number of weeks as long as it is working and as long as I am training different rep ranges. The log helps me keep track of where I am so that I know how much to increase my volume or intensity each week or to see what type of loading scheme I used the week before, and the week before that so that I know where I am going with my training. It is just helpful for planing and helps to keep me from overtraining.

In my opinion it's foolish to change the workout all the time for exactly that reason. You should figure out what works for you and stick with it until it stops working. You also need to give each routine a good few weeks to see any useful results from it - in the beginning you'll be sore and still learning how to do the exercises, so it's not a very accurate guage of progress.

Personally, I've used the same rep schemes for many months. I haven't changed it because it's been working this whole time. I have, however, changed my exercises many times due to somewhat changing goals, stagnation and different interests in different lifts. I've moved from powerlifting-related goals to weightlifting-related goals recently but I still have functional goals and thus keep some of my functional exercises in my routine.

I only change it if Im bored or the gains stop cold.

No, I find it only hinders my workouts...
Takes away time from lifting, and I feel like I get to wrapped up in numbers and such.

Plus, unless you have a very weak, and failing memory, you shouldn't need one.

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

I only change it if Im bored or the gains stop cold.

Same here.

Originally Posted by myCATpowerlifts

Plus, unless you have a very weak, and failing memory, you shouldn't need one.

Seventeen weeks ago, tell me exactly which exercises you did and map out your weekly progress of them for me until the present time.

Wait a second, it would probably be more helpful for you if you had written it down. Oh, so that's what they're used for...

IMO anyone who is actually dedicated and cares about progress uses a log. Without one, you have no idea of how far you're progressing. Without knowing how far you're progressing, you can't realize your full potential by analyzing what works for you and what doesn't.

Originally Posted by Steele20

Do you guys do the same work out for like a month at a time, then switch it up, or what? How can you keep track if you are getting stronger or not through a log if you switch the workout up each time?

I try to rotate repetition ranges frequently. Although I can progress by staying in the same range for a little while, progress seems to be elevated by alternating repetition ranges frequently. Furthermore, I like to be well rounded in my strength traits: absolute strength, relative strength, strength-endurance, and power.

Typically, I keep my exercises the same for a few months at a time. In the case of my current program, I only repeat each exercise once every 2 weeks. During certain exercise modalities that I follow, I change up exercise selection more frequently. Westside conjugate style is an example. If my weak points seem to be changing in one of the big 3, then I change my exercise selection accordingly. Also, because this routine involves bouts of very high intensity lifting, it is beneficial to change exercises frequently to prevent overtraining.

although i could see it not being that much of a necessity for BB'ers as long as they keep track of their weight, bf, tape measurements etc. but for a lifter who is looking for strength or improved ahtletic performance, it is a MUST. there is just no possible way to be successful without one.

i use a log with little comments and stuff about the exercises

Off topic but andy I hope you don't really gain 40 pounds in 5 months as your goal is in your sig, it'll be almost all fat.

2 pounds/week is indeed high, but he's young and ambitious. No reason he shouldn't aim for it. Personally I usually set my goals to be a little higher than what I believe I'll be at so I have to work extra hard to get there.

Originally Posted by P-funk

I always use not only a log but a full written program to follow.

ditto.

I keep a log in my head

I use my log in here, remember what I am supposed to do, and then write it down when I can get to a computer after my workout.

Originally Posted by Dale Mabry

I use my log in here, remember what I am supposed to do, and then write it down when I can get to a computer after my workout.

Are you serious? I figured you'd be using a proper training log ala P-Funk style. Surely you cannot remember everything by the time you get to a computer?

I remember my last workout and it was over a week ago.

The only log I use is in my pants, and it is a big one.

Originally Posted by topolo

The only log I use is in my pants, and it is a big one.

I use one. If the exercise was too hard, too easy, etc, I write that down too.

On another note I alternate two different weeks of exercises. For instance on chest day one week i might do flat bench and decline db bench, the next week i might do incline bench and flat db bench. Then the third week I do the first routine again. This way it switches up more, and my body never gets used to it, but I can still see the progress I am making.