Recording your training session

When I was growing up, my father ran marathons and ultra-marathons. He would train early mornings before work, and somedays he would have evening training as well. What I remember most vividly about this time was the piles of training logbooks in the house. Every time he had completed a training session, he would methodically record all the information gathered by his watch. This was before watches were “smart”, so he would put all the data into the pages of his current logbook and record all sorts of things that I didn’t understand. By tracking his progress and measuring performance, he was very effectively able to make his training efficient and effective which resulted in excellent results come race day.

When I started training in the gym, I began to appreciate how useful it is to record each session. By making notes of the weight I have used, how many repetitions I have completed, number of sets and rest times, I am very easily able to track my progress. It is a simple thing for me to grab the equipment I require by quickly looking at what I had used in the last session, and it also lets me know when I need to increase my intensity. This may be effected by increasing the weight, increasing the number of reps or sets, or reducing my rest period between sets. Whatever it is that I choose to change, I record this and can easily monitor progression. The biggest bonus is that I never have to remember this information, which frees my brain up for other things.

In order for any training program to be effective, it needs to be periodized. Put simply, this means that the program is divided into phases (or periods) each of which is designed to elicit specific physiological adaptations. There are principles that are followed in order to prevent plateus, overuse injuries, boredom, burnout and improve readiness for competition. This is what a certified personal trainer is able to create for you. If you do not have a plan, you are unlikely to achieve the results you are after.

Another helpful tool when recording your training session, is to make a note of how you feel, physically and emotionally. By logging and tracking this, it becomes easier and easier to be in tune with your body and to listen to it.

I choose to print out a hard copy of my program, and record the information by hand, but you may choose to record it electronically. Do whatever works best for you, just do it.

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