How do I Create a Weight Training Log?

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  • Written By: Dee S.
  • Edited By: Jenn Walker
  • Last Modified Date: 25 March 2017
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In general, a weight training log lets a person record specific data associated with their weight training workout. There are several different ways to create a weight training log. It can contain very basic information, such as the exercise completed, the weight used, and the number of repetitions. It can also contain much more detailed information, such as mood and duration of the workout. A weight training log may be handwritten on loose paper, recorded in a journal, added to a template, or documented through computer software.

Many people consider a weight training log to be an essential part of a workout. They believe that it helps them determine whether or not they are working out to their full potential without going to far beyond what the body can safely handle. For example, if a person tries to lift weights that are too heavy, it may result in injury. In the alternative, if a person tries to lift weights that are too light, then the workout may be ineffective. A good weight training log can help alleviate these issues by recording how much weight was lifted during the last workout and letting the individual build upon that amount.


There is some basic information that should be included in most weight training logs. For example, the date, the muscle group worked, the exercise completed, the weight lifted, and the number of repetitions completed are usually considered to be essential pieces of information. Some weight training logs allow the person to record much more detailed information. For example, a body builder may be very concerned with her weight. As a result she may also include her body weight in her weight training log.

Many people believe that the most detailed logs are the best. For those individuals, information, such as whether or not cardiovascular activity was completed, may be quite important. With such data, they can analyze their workouts to determine if they are more or less strenuous if they do cardiovascular exercises before weight training. In addition, some logs give people a place to record their mood. As a result, they can determine if they are too rushed for the weekend to work out on Friday evening or if they are too tired on Mondays to focus on an effective weight training session.

A weight training log can be handwritten or recorded in a computer. When handwriting the log, information can be recorded into something as simple as loose paper or a spiral notebook. A person who wants a bit more structure to her log may use a template or a weight training journal. For more sophisticated logs, there is computer software available. The software typically lets people enter raw data, summarize their workouts, create graphs, and analyze their progress based on the data they entered.


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Post 3

@Laotionne - Try keeping more of a diary about your workouts rather than a recording of the numbers. Write down when you worked out, how you felt and then simply a general outline of what the workout was like. This is easier to write and you are more likely to go back and read it later. And hopefully this will give you the feedback you need to start getting more out of your weight lifting and strength training.

By the way, also make notes about any changes you notice in your body the days following your workouts. results may not be apparent until a couple days or more after a particular session.

Post 2

@Laotionne - Are you satisfied with the results you are getting from your workouts currently? If the answer to this question is yes then no, keeping a weight training log is not necessary for you. However, if you are not getting the results you want then you definitely need to do something different. If you continue the same routine then you are going to continue to get the same results.

Also, if the fitness person suggested you keep the record then there must have been a reason he thought this would be a good step for you to take.

Post 1

One of the fitness assistants at the gym suggested that I start keeping a weight training log. I wasn't sure exactly what he was talking about. After reading this article, I am not sure I want to be that specific about my workouts.

Keeping a detailed long and figuring out what I need to list and how I chart everything seems like way too much work. Getting to the gym and exercising takes most of my energy, and some days I can't motivate myself to do that much. I don't want to have to maintain a complicated record of each of my workouts. Is this really necessary?

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