How to use a Training Log

You've seen people at the gym keeping a clipboard or notebook and logging their sets, weights, and reps. That's not the kind of training log I'm talking about.

Ways to Use Your Training Log

1. It's a plan--use it to map out everything you'll do for your workout. You don't need to write anything down in the gym if you use it as a plan. That way you won't rely on how you feel, and you won't waste time figuring out what to do.
2. It's a schedule--write down the workouts that you'll do and when you'll do them.
3. It's a report card--write your goals at the front of it. Every time you write a workout, you won't have to guess if you're making progress.

Have you used a training log? How did it help? How did it change your training?