You probably keep track of just about everything--it is how we keep track of life, organzie ourselves, remember things, etc. But do you keep an exercise log?
How much weight do you move during your last workout? How many reps? How many sets? How did you feel at the end of your set? Are you moving more weight now than 2 weeks ago? How much more?
Keeping a log can help you answer those questions, help you keep track of your progress, and help you advance more efficiently.
For example, the key to building muscle is to focus on life more "total" weight each workout. "Total" weight is figured out by multiply the amount of weight you life for an exercise for one rep, by the total number of reps you did (all sets...). If you increase that number each workout--either by increase the number of reps, the number of sets, or the actual weight--you will see strength gains. For example, if in your last workout 2 sets of 12 repetitions of the bench press with 100 pounds on in, your total weight was 2400 pounds. Next workout try 13 reps, or instead of 100 pounds, try 105 pounds, or a combination of both.
Exercise logs are not just for competitive athletes either. A study in 2002 at the YMCA found that 70% of new exercisers who set goals and tracked them with an exercise log stuck with their program for an entire year, compared with 75% of exercise who did not track their exercising that quit before the year was up.
At very least, invest in a small spiral notebook, and track your progress. Not only will it be easier to remember what weights for which exercise, seeing the gains that you are making in writing will further motivate you to keep working out.
-d
devinsomers.myvi.net
Body By Vi 90-Day Health Challenge promoter.
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