Workout log book for gym

[Diana3271]

I have started going to the gym a couple times a week. Does anyone have a recommendation for a log book for gym machines? TIA

[rhbrand]

I have this one and really like it

https://www.amazon.com/Workout-Log-J...%2C180&sr=8-12

[Jane P.]

Last time I was in Barnes and Noble, I saw a few different ones. You may want to look them over see if there's something that suits you.

[prettyinpink]

I just use a small spiral notebook, I think it’s 5x8. I divide each page lengthwise into 2. Each side is a workout day.

[Diana3271]

Originally Posted by rhbrand

I have this one and really like it

https://www.amazon.com/Workout-Log-J...%2C180&sr=8-12

Thank you for the link. I'll take a look.

[Diana3271]

Originally Posted by Jane P.

Last time I was in Barnes and Noble, I saw a few different ones. You may want to look them over see if there's something that suits you.

I can look the next time I'm in that area. I do like the idea of being able to check it out before I buy.

[Diana3271]

Originally Posted by prettyinpink

I just use a small spiral notebook, I think it’s 5x8. I divide each page lengthwise into 2. Each side is a workout day.

Do you write the name of the equipment each time?

[bzar]

Originally Posted by Diana3271

Do you write the name of the equipment each time?

although you addressed this to Pretty In Pink, I have a few comments.

It would be good to do so, at least for the first few weeks, and then you'll develop a system based on how you structure weekly plans. It sounds nerdy to have to write everything down while you're trying to walk around the place and reserve your spot at the various machines and equipment. but there's a few ways to make it less so.

my DH is a PE teacher and i'd occasionally go to the school's weight room that has machines and free weights. i'm good at knowing what free weights to use, including bench press. but with machines, I could never remember what setting! so that would have been a good thing to track on a notebook.

back to my suggestion - if you know which machines/equipment you're going to do for a 3-day-a-week gym rotation for example, you can pre-write them in your notebook. this way, when you're at the machine or waiting your turn, you can quickly write in the poundage/setting, reps and sets. you could even pre-write the poundage/reps/sets beforehand and just check it off or make little edits as you check them off if you tweaked it a little.

[prettyinpink]

Originally Posted by bzar

back to my suggestion - if you know which machines/equipment you're going to do for a 3-day-a-week gym rotation for example, you can pre-write them in your notebook. this way, when you're at the machine or waiting your turn, you can quickly write in the poundage/setting, reps and sets. you could even pre-write the poundage/reps/sets beforehand and just check it off or make little edits as you check them off if you tweaked it a little.

This. I go in knowing what I’m going to do, and pre-write several days at a time. I use 4-6 week rotations.
I sometimes make a notation next to each execise in smaller print, as to what I used for my best set the week before, e.g. 50#x 9, so I go in knowing what to start with. Or if I don’t do that, I can just flip back one page and see the week before.

If I hit a busy day at the gym and would have to wait too long to use a machine I want, I note a reorder of exercises by switching letters “A” and “B”, for example. Or I just make a note on the press that I did the presses after the pushups, for example, instead of before, if it’s an exercise working some of the same muscles such that switching the order might affect the amount of weight or reps I could do on the second.

[bzar]

Originally Posted by prettyinpink

This. I go in knowing what I’m going to do, and pre-write several days at a time. I use 4-6 week rotations.
I sometimes make a notation next to each execise in smaller print, as to what I used for my best set the week before, e.g. 50#x 9, so I go in knowing what to start with. Or if I don’t do that, I can just flip back one page and see the week before.

If I hit a busy day at the gym and would have to wait too long to use a machine I want, I note a reorder of exercises by switching letters “A” and “B”, for example. Or I just make a note on the press that I did the presses after the pushups, for example, instead of before, if it’s an exercise working some of the same muscles such that switching the order might affect the amount of weight or reps I could do on the second.

++++

excellent points!