Must be a good training log.
Quote:
Originally Posted by G-Force
i have always used a training log. cant imagine going to the gym without one.
you always have something to aim for, and is incredibly satisfying as u see yourself progress
I am now convinced to use a training log. Any suggestions on which one to buy? Which one are you using. For me it has to be quick an simple.
GrassHoppa
Thanks gents - I hope this info is helpful too!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
spike3700
-*+thanks for the info didnt even think to keep trac but will know
Deffinitly... I wrote something a few months ago to dig a little deeper into using a journal...
Plot your efforts, use a training journal
May 22nd, 2007
No great battle was ever won without a plan. Small victories are possible but overall achievements on a large scale must be accompanied by a documented plan of attack, as well as an accurate archive of progression and trends.
Strength athletes and bodybuilders commonly call this piece of their gear a training journal, record, diary or log. Success in muscle growth and strength development occurs by pushing past sluggish training periods to avoid months - or years - of futility. Journals allow a trainee, or the coach, to identifying stagnant periods early on, so a timely plan can be constructed for new-found demands promoting adaptation and growth.
The goal for increased strength and musculature is to train with progressive overloads. Sometimes small jumps of one or two pounds are all that are needed for marked progression; such as training small muscle groups or stabilizers. Without writing the training results on a permanent record, recollecting all of a previous workout’s numbers by memory is unreasonable and unsystematic for an athlete trying to maximize training periods. Hard training can improve attentiveness in an environment stimulated by adrenal output, but after a warm shower the information is quickly forgotten.
Many times over, new athletes tend to swarm supplement retailers looking for a magic pill to mystically pull them from a training rut. The real disgrace is many of these amateur trainees have never used a way to document their hard work. How can they expect to routinely progress if they can not recall what has already been accomplished?
So, it’s understood why a good training manual is needed but what should be documented?
First, find a good ledger or use blank paper and grid it with a pen and ruler. The media you choose must be durable; since it will likely fall victim to crushing 45-pound plates or collisions between two 100-pound dumbbells, as well as the frequent drizzle of sweat from exhaustive training.
A strength athlete should align the amount of columns they use with the intentions of the current training cycle. A maintenance strength routine may only need to record loads, sets, reps and dates. These numbers help to provide a preservation guide - or inadvertent progression - for each training day. A basic log can also provide a straightforward format to increase loads, reps, sets or training frequently.
Advanced training documentation builds on simpler reports to include specific elements; such as: time of day, time to completion, changes in bodyweight or general disposition and advanced training protocols. Further information can accurately gauge the amount of work being performed within the same unit of time, or perhaps serve to indicate a change in perceived effort after performing an identical routine.
Some information is better than none. Plotting a few details explaining the labors of a training day is more important than scores of information. If an athlete has it in their mind to reach a radical change in performance, merely implementing the use of a journal is a step in the right direction.
Golden Rules of Bodybuilding
September 08th, 2007
There are many contributing factors in building a stronger, leaner body. These aspects must be continuously explored though trial-and-error to custom tailor beneficial routines. However, several rules are commonly endorsed by bodybuilders reaching for new achievements in muscularity.
Work thy body progressively
It’s amazing how many people will re-enter a fitness facility with the “toned up” mantra echoing between their ears – gotta get toned! The problem here: toned up is a useless goal. The simple act of resistance training itself does not lead to any pronounced benefit – strength or general health. The training stimulus must exceed the current threshold with a consistently progressive overload. This applies to aerobic and anaerobic efforts. Specificity and variation must also accompany good program design. Exceeding previous accomplishments during training improves one’s fitness level; while creating favorable changes in body composition and general health.
Train thy mote, at ye level
The body goes through changes amid consistent strength training. Early on, resistance training is a motor learning process, dependent on practicing proper exercise form and activation of individual muscle groups. As training continues, connective tissue strengthens, as well as a greater tolerance to the burn associated with it. Into the advanced stages, muscle size is largely proportionate to strength levels – promoting additional gains in muscle requires increases in limit strength. As muscles become exceedingly stronger, more attention must be moved toward appropriate recovery measures. It’s important to understand your current requirements to graduate through these stages of adaptation. Working above or below one’s current fitness levels will lead to training plateaus.
Thou shalt train thyself from head to toe
The body grows best in unison. Men are notorious for neglecting lower-body musculature while women repeatedly reject upper-body; subsequently, both cut themselves short. Often overlooked, full-body workouts have their place in bodybuilding, such as: increased muscle training frequency, immense energy expenditure, significant depletion and trauma and superior anabolic hormone stimulation. Each individual’s genetic predispositions transcribe a certain tolerance for unbalanced proportions – once reached, the trained muscles stop growing. If the body did not require a relative balance, we would see a lot of Popeye- or Johnny Bravo-type physiques in the local gyms.
Commit thine muscles to continuous tension
Constant time under tension creates a lot of micro trauma for muscular growth as well as strengthened neural pathways, fostering more permanent strength development. Many trainees assume they are creating continuous tension on the muscle, when in reality, they keep locking out. Frequently they inadvertently shift the load completely off the muscular systems and onto the bone structure. These pauses are quite common in leg training. The lower body houses the largest muscle groups and subsequently the most demanding training. Sometimes rest-pause sets or brief in-set breaks serve a purpose – such as breaking through psychological barriers – but don’t take them due to inadequate training motivation.
Record what thou hast accomplished during thy journey
It’s amazing how many people wander the gym floor with no record of their past accomplishments. Training journals present accurate documentation for charted progress. Sometimes all it takes is five more pounds, one more rep, or performing the same routine two minutes faster. Relish or agonize over the days written undertakings but always look forward to recording a better score next time.
Thou shalt not search for a magic pill
Any successful bodybuilder has been bombarded with quires about their dietary supplement protocols. Most of these curious individuals don’t respect the fact that each individual has unique requirements – which vary based on current goals. Many let themselves be persuaded by colorful ads with impressive physiques. The biggest variables are – and always will be – progressive training design, macro nutrition timing and proper recovery. If these things are neglected during any training cycle, no pills, powders or magic beans are going to make up the deficit. Always focus on the fundamentals first; then fill in nutritional gaps with dietary supplements based on current objectives.
Never pack thine stomach with useless vittles
Pulling into the gas station with a brand new car is as full-filling as show-and-tell for school kids. Rightfully, you’re proud of your new toy and enjoy presenting it. After a few days of joy riding, it’s time to fill her up with gas. However, instead of some high-octane performance fuel, you grab a bottle of stale soda from the back seat and pour it into the gas tank – it’s a cheaper and much faster way to fill the tank. Ultimately, just as you began showcasing your new wheels, the engine stutters, knocks, and then dies. You had a great car but you blew it by not filling it up with the right fuel.
Treat thine body as thy valuables
Bodybuilding is a journey into increased activity and overall health. The rate of obesity is climbing, leading to increases in metabolic disorders, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems and some cancers. This is largely due to decreases in daily energy expenditure and increases in junk food, more palatable foods that are heavily processed, high in fat and loaded with sugar. Successful bodybuilding improves body composition by increasing energy output while promoting healthy food choices. It also requires adequate rest at night and avoidance of otherwise destructive behaviors. Many possessions come and go; your physical self is a one-shot opportunity. The human body wasn’t deigned to be inactive and overweight. Building an athletic body constructs greater overall health, self image, confidence and a generally more pleasant life.