How do you remember your routine at gym?

thatonegirlwiththestuff

I do several people around my gym with notepads tracking their workouts. I assume since it's the electronic age, people also use note taking apps. Personally, I have mine memorized and walk into the gym with my game plan. I do, however have an exercise app I sometimes consult to look up new workouts if I'm changing my routine a bit.

AllOutof_Bubblegum

Usually gyms equipment has little numbers decaled to them, (for maintenance and repair simplicity purposes). They are usually at the top, on the inside (meaning the side housing the weight plates) of the machine. Just write down the numbers of the machines you' d like to use, and use that when you work out.

KBjimAZ

I have always used pencil and paper (spiral note pads). I have a drawer full of them dating back to workouts that I did in high school. Thirty plus years of data in one easy to find location.

Unknown

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SallyFTW

Might be old fashioned, but I keep a workout journal.

Cladf

I use the Fitocracy app - I'm just new to working out and my OH and my best mate both use it, so it's good for us to drum up a bit of friendly competition with each other as it allocates points per workout.

Lets me track my workout, with reps and weight for each set and then lets me repeat that workout time and time again if I wish, or amend it where needed too

fitness_faeiry

I use the Notes App on my iPhone - Easy. I have used a bit of paper before, and just tucked it into my pants when I wasn't looking at it. If you carry an iPod or iPhone round with you, you can just use them - each one has several ways of reading text!

iplayoutside19

I had a really good weight lifting instructor in high school. Day 1 of Freshman year, use something to write down what you're doing so you don't forget your work out and you can keep track of progress. I don't ever do a workout that isn't somewhat preplanned and forgetting bring whatever I wrote my workout on is akin to forgetting pants...I have to go back and get it.

That being said I've tried just about everything. Problem I have with notebooks is I sweat on them and after a month I have a notebook that's water logged and useless. Same thing with cell phone apps. I'd sweat all over my phone, and when I'm in the weight room I don't want the distraction of the cell phone. I always leave it in the locker or car.

What I've been doing for several years is keeping track on an Excel Spreadsheet. I arrange my current work out on one spreadsheet and print it off. This way I have my plan written down, and I toss it after I record how the workout went in Excel. No sweaty notebooks, and no cell phones.

One other comment OP. 12 exercises? I think there might be some redundancy there. Sounds like you need to dial into what your goals are and then create, or look for a work out that supports those goals.

cwolfman13

Note book....

freshstart14

I have an iPhone, so I list exercises and progress in the notes app, and if there is ever something that I had to google to get the form down, I'd screenshot the webpage so that I could easily access it in my camera roll.

Personally, having a notebook would probably annoy me, but the phone doesn't since I use it to listen to music anyway.

BigT555

One thing that always snags my up.....I walk into gym. Do my cardio (easy to remember to walk/run for 20 minutes).

Then I get down into the weight section and have a hard time remembering the 12+ exercises I am supposed to be doing, how many, what weight, etc. Even if I write down the names on a small piece of paper for my pocket most of time I don't remember what each one looks like (I need pictures).

I really don't want to carry around a big notebook - those guys seem silly looking.

Any other suggestions from experienced gym rats?

if youre worried about looking silly in the gym, youre doing it wrong

Kr1ptonite

I use a app on my phone called Gym Hero. You add in you exercises and how many reps, sets, and weight. Next time you do that exercise it comes up with what you did last time, and such, and add from there.I love it.

HWeatherholt

I put them in mfp before I go to the gym, and then look at that. If I can't remember the moves - today I'll have that happen since I'm starting a new stage in the plan I'm doing - i might google it on my phone and watch a video, I've also taken the book I'm following in to the gym. I have also had an app called JeFit, but removed it because I really wasn't using all the features and it seemed to take up a lot of space.

hannamarie88

I use a note-taking app on my phone. I probably look like I'm texting, but meh. At least I can keep track of what I did/want to do. Don't let it get in your head. Carry a notebook or use your phone. Benefit yourself. Not your outward appearance to others.

levitateme

Notepad. They make little ones, ya know. Mine is smaller than my phone.

quellybelly

I use an Excel file that I open on my phone.

erickirb

For starters I would advise against doing 12 exercises in a single session. Number 2 bring a log the has your routine outlined and allows you to put reps and weight in so you can track progress. Or pick a beginner program that has everything laid out for you, print it off and bring it to the gym.

MRSpivey

I use to use a log book, then switched to printed out spreadsheets that I would notate then update, and most recently I've use jefit, a smart phone application and internet based (www.jefit.com).

randomtai

Number 2

Platform_Heels

Not silly at all - get yourself a book, write out your routine and track your progress. You can also include how you felt that day, physically or mentally.

^^^

I started doing this again. It's nice to see progression on how much you lift and also keeping track of what you do.

No_Finish_Line

theres an app for that

JoRocka

Not silly at all - get yourself a book, write out your routine and track your progress. You can also include how you felt that day, physically or mentally.

^^^

I started doing this again. It's nice to see progression on how much you lift and also keeping track of what you do.

I am NOT good at writing down exertion and things- but it is a useful thing to keep track of- I really wish I could track food and workouts in the same book- side by side- but I don't have the energy- well it's just not a priority really. But to me it would be interesting to see the trends.

But yes- tracking how you feel and perceived exertion rate is useful too. Wish I spent more time doing it.

No_Finish_Line

way back in the day i used to keep a note book of what weights i was doing. at one point i was just populating a spread sheet after my workout. now i don't do anything and do catch myself scratching my head wondering exactly what weight i did last time now and then.

BlueBombers

It's burned into my brain

Jaedynmoon

I've been lifting for over a year now and I bring a smaller notebook in with me. That way I can track my weight going up and know the plan for each day. Who cares what people think. When I go I am there to lift and kick butt. Not judge someone because they have a notebook.

JTick

I carry a sheet of paper and a pen with me. If I'm trying a new exercise, I'll either write some notes to remind myself how to do it or YouTube it on my phone right before to check form.

sarainiowa

I use my phone and log it, as I go. When I get home, I add that data to the previous days. From there, I decide what works, what don't work and discuss that with my trainer and doctors. Data is key in weight loss!!

LiftHeavyWeights

JeFit App. Open routine, exercise day & start. Each exercise in order with the # reps, weight, rest time pre loaded. Just log as you go. After sync with www.jefit.com web site. There even a place for notes.

jlynnm70

I'm just getting started and use the machines ( I know I know use the free weights....) I have the name of each machine written down. I kind of have the routine broken down to know which machines on which days - but I still carry the paper around as I am trying to learn my 'weights' - once I get this down, I'll transfer to a 3x5 card (I have the arms on this already) it has small pics on one side and the exercise/machine/dumbell whatever - and weight on the other side. I just carry the card and pen with me and mark the new weight if I increase it.

The card is small enough I can slide it in the armband with my phone, and same with a pencil (need to swipe a few from the golf course!)

No_Finish_Line

maybe its just me, but logging via an app during my lifting workout made it at least 15-20 min longer. when i did it with a note book it didn't seem to add any time at all