Workout Log Gym – XL A5 Gym, Fitness, and Training Diary

I have run several programmes in the past, mainly focusing around powerlifting, with an initial period of just general fitness and mass gain, and believe this log works well for both. This log has an excellent cookie cutter template for programmes such as Stronglifts 5×5 or ice cream fitness 5×5 due to its ease of use and easy to understand layout. The book outlines setting goals based on a session by session basis, allowing you to note down factors like overall tempo, and any additional notes; such as RPE, pre session nutrition, or overall feel of the session, which can be a great help when trying to identify key factors that may be limited or facilitating progress after the noob gains period has ended. There is plenty of room to list each exercise, especially in high volume splits such as push,pull,leg (PPL) or overall body part splits, with each exercise allowing you to record up to 5 sets in one line. For the most part 5 sets is normally enough for most programmes but those following very high volume templates; such as GVT, it may become annoying , although I found a quick way round this by just listing the same exercise in the below slot and continuing to track from there.

Due to 5 sets trying to be squeezed onto one sheet of A5 it can be difficult to list larger numbers, or common decimals in the small boxes given to list the weight of your exercise, which in turn makes looking at previous sessions a bit difficult from time to time, although those with smaller handwriting should have no issues at all. For most advanced training templates; and some beginner ones, there may be different focuses on the style of exercise e.g tempo/speed work, time under tension work, or basic strength work, in which it is important to distinguish between exercises styles to help log and track progress in certain areas/ organise your training schedule, this is something the log can do very well due to its generous room to list your exercises each session, which means you can easily write little notes underneath each exercise to outline minor details.
One minor flaw is the lack of being able to track wave based periodization to help with ease of session templates and set/rep/weight goals. Those following templates such as GZCL may be familiar with regularly changing estimated 1/2RM, in which every session has parts based around %1/2rm. There is no designated page to help track regularly changing goals such as these which can make planning a bit of a nuisance, possibly an extra couple of the pages at the back could help?

The log itself is made of high quality material and has so far survived being held loose in my gym bag, alongside lifting shoes, chalk, wraps, and other equipment, which seemed to have only made minor damage to the front cover; which is to be expected. It’s compact A5 size means it’s easy to throw in your gym bag, and carry around the gym with you, and can be a lot easier to makes detailed notes in compared to some smartphone apps available.

TL;DR – The book allows great tracking on a session by session basis, which is excellent for both experienced and new gym-goers, alike, those using very tailored training patterns e.g using conjugate periodization may need additional tools to help track long term goals and objectives, but this log gives a great way to measure and monitor your gym progress over time, I would highly recommend!