Do you need training logs?

[drtbear1967]

I used to be convinced that a training log was essential. Without being able to flip back and see what you've done, how do you truly know you've gotten stronger? And by exactly how much? And how quickly or slowly? Keeping a log is absolutely beneficial. It helps beginners aim for basic progressive overload with concrete "more reps or more weight" targets for each workout. Logs can also help advanced lifters re-trace specific steps like exercises, volume, and frequency that lead to big PRs (or big injuries).
-
However, a training log isn't mandatory. There's a lot to be said for simply showing up at the gym and playing the workout by feel, not worrying about recording every movement with plans to refer back, analyze, and treat like a puzzle piece within some grand scheme. The biggest benefit is that it forces you to really tune-in to your body and its capabilities for the given day. If 225 is moving slowly, something's off and you shouldn't jump to 275 just because it's what you hit for 6 reps last week. Not having a log to refer to forces you to autoregulate and work within an "every day max," not some pre-determined weight the book says you're supposed to use.
-
If you're training for size, lifting by intuition is almost-definitely how the best-built bodies have trained forever. Some light warm-up sets and then adjust every set depending on how good the burn was. Simple, time-tested, no notebook required. Spend a few weeks ditching the training log and treating each workout as a standalone session. Each set and rep becomes that much more important. String enough of those kinds of sessions together and you'll end up improving the quality of every workout in the future.

 

[Presser]

Very good and Important subject, and of course i would like to make a distinction that a training log during and for competition is essential if you ask me. Not just training but all in one book you should have the workout, weight, volume, and also when and what you took in food wise, and when and what gear. This way you can always go back and duplicate as best as possible how you came in ripped to the bone some days and how some other days you were flat, bloated, etc..

I know it says TRAINING LOG , but i just wanted to point out that it has helped me and my wife, and we have stacks of little journals , or had, not sure where theyre at now but point it, it helps.

But for just writing down training numbers, nah, but i think its good for beginners to get a schedule going, and keeping them motivated since 90% of gym signups quit after 3 sessions or some crazy shit like that

 

[The Survivor]

I have a male member at my gym who is a perfect specimem of OCD, ADD and everything in between. This dude logs eveything, his lifts, how he feels during & after, his cardio time etc.....he prob measures his car for the parking space when he parks too, he looks great BUT along with comes massive head issues, hes 46, still a virgin (i think) and lives at home in his parents basement. It seems like he spends 3 hrs a day here and 50% of that is spent writing down his reps, sets etc, then of course hes the one who is always asking questions about lifting, diet and generally driving everyone nuts

 

[Presser]

Lol maybe he’s just lonely

 

[The Survivor]

Lol maybe he’s just lonely

That and he has no life, I used to bang his sister long time ago and I remember a few times we were just about ready to get horizontal, the phone would ring and it was him (Mike) wanting to come over and hang out. The little fucker cost me a few romps......