Q: Is a training diary really necessary? You know, I really just like to lift and all this writing seems a little excessive.

A: I totally respect your opinion. My answer to your question would be a counter question: "How much progress have you made in the last year?" My guess is that you haven't made as much progress a you could have.

There is a very important purpose of a training diary that is illustrated by the following:

I recently saw a show about the creation of the world's highest building in Dubai. The most guarded secret is how high the building is going to be. 

Why? 

Because if competitors discover the final height before the building is completed, they will have a head start in developing the plans for another building that would surpass the height of the one in Dubai.

Likewise, if you know exactly how many reps you performed in your last session it will be much easier for you to surpass that in your next session.

I have never seen anyone who could remember the exact number of reps performed in their previous training session.

A training diary clearly is an extra effort compared to just performing the exercises. However, making entries into your diary is well worth doing if you want to make the kind of progress you are capable of.

I am in the process of finishing a special training diary that goes way beyond noticing only your sets and reps.

Stay tuned: the next training tip will give you a sneak peak at the contents of this diary!

Move with passion,
Karsten Jensen