Training log

[blackjack]

How important is it to keep a training log? I have only been lifting for a short time and do not keep one.

[bamazav]

A log provides a place of accountability and some record to assist in your progression. I keep both a written or spreadsheet log and logs on two websites. Since I train at home, the online readers of my logs are my training partners. The written logs allow me to keep track of my progress over the years, they also show me my mistakes and failures so that I do not make them again.

[BendtheBar]

Bam pretty much said it all. I keep a paper and computer log and am always referring to my previous workouts.

[Fazc]

I think it's important to have some method of analysing your workouts. I've actually stopped keeping a paper log since Btb and I have a thread where we discuss training, that serves to take the place of discourse I would normally have with myself in a written log.

For the majority of people the simplest option is still the training log, whether that be electronic or paper. I still have some 10+ years of paper logs available to me and 6 or so years of training logged at various forums.

[5kgLifter]

I keep a full written version of my workouts, including: subtleties of weight combos, subleties of form changes, how I felt on the day, what time of day, duration of workout and anything else I feel may have adversely or positively affected the workout, no matter how small a detail.

Online, I keep a basic log which doesn't give the whole picture but rather snippets from the workout, mainly because I don't want to write it all out twice and I detest diary-style stuff; I know, however, that every detail I require is at hand on paper which is easier than accessing the internet at times.