How to log weights?

[stingo]

This is probably a dumb question (not that that's stopped me before) but... When logging weights with dumbbells, if I did 5 sets of 5 reps of a bench press, with a 50 lb dumbbell in each hand, would I be correct in logging 5x5@100, or 5x5@50? or would either be correct? I'd imagine the same answer (whatever it is) would hold true for a functional trainer with independent weight stacks, right?

[GG300]

I always log the weight as the weight of the DB so in your example I would use 50#. As long as you know how you are logging it that is all that really matters.

[Luke Denley]

When I use DB's I just say 60's X 5 or whatever rep scheme I am doing. That way I know that I used the 60 pounders. It doesn't really matter how you log it though, as the point of your log is for you to be able to go back and see what worked/ what didn't etc. So long as you remember and always use the same method to log your weights.

[UpNorth]

I use 5x50e if I'm using 2 dbs... but as everyone else has said. It's your log so whatever works for you.

[Lisa~]

Agreed. A log is only for you to go back and review, so whatever makes sense to you is what you should use. I think it's a pain in the ass to add up the weight and then mentally have to divide it again when I'm looking back at the log. It's easy math, but why do math at all?

I'd write 60's x 5.

On my own log sheets I even write the plates like that if I'm using a plate loaded machine. We have a plate-loaded lat pullover that I like to use. I'll write 45's x 5 when I've put a 45 lb plate on each side.

[Lost Dog]

Just make sure to write "db" before "bench press" so you'll know you weren't a weakling.

[RacerBill]

I ran into the same problem when I was keeping a log in the training log subforum. Something like DB lunges I'll say 20+20 x 8 for eight reps, 20 lb DB in each hand. Or you could say 20 (EH) x 8.

[Mahler]

If the weight is within each hand, then 50(e) such as a press.
Some exercises, however, apply all the weight on one area, even when they are placed in each hand. A Bulgarian Split squat done with a 50 pound DB in each hand would better be described as 100 lbs. in my opinion.

[kmfisher]

I always make columns, and in the weight column I put 50x2. Or, in the description I'll say DB somewhere.

Wt 1 2 3
50x2 8 8 8

[Mahler]

While we are at it, I see guys using different notation methods. I learned to notate a workout using sets, reps and weight, in that order. So a squat session might be 3 x 4 x 275 meaning 3 sets for 4 reps using 275. How do you folks notate your workouts?

[CC dad]

Originally Posted by Mahler

While we are at it, I see guys using different notation methods. I learned to notate a workout using sets, reps and weight, in that order. So a squat session might be 3 x 4 x 275 meaning 3 sets for 4 reps using 275. How do you folks notate your workouts?

Weight/ reps/ sets
Thats how I do it. I think I got it from NROL.

[stingo]

Thanks for all the replies - I was doing the way Mahler indicated - when the working muscle seemed to be doing moving all the weight (as in a lunge for example) I'd put the total down. If I was doing an exercise (like a dumbbell bench press) where the weights were moved independently, I'd put the weight on the dumbbell, not the pair.

The related question I had - is it equivalent to say that if I'm using 2 50 lb dumbbells in a bench press, is that equivalent to a barbell bench press where the total weight is 100lbs?

As for notation, I've always used sets x reps @ weight.

[Cynic]

I've got a funky way of doing it:

Since in bench pressing, one arm is moving the weight of one dumbbell, I consider the DBs as individuals (power to the people). Thus 5x5@50(e) is per arm.

Now, in lunges, the arms is just there holding the weight, but it's the leg that is doing the work moving both DBs, so the weight is the collective weight: 5x5x50 is two 25lbs DBs, but you can do lunges with barbells, so no need to express (e), like Mahler does.

[Frank.S]

If the weight says 100lbs on it.. I think I write down 100lbs.

how I do it on my log on here.. I only use this online log. never wrote down a thing in the gym. Can remember the past 5 workouts of mine, and reps, sets, weights etc used no problem If I cant remember the number, it probally didnt matter anyway (ie correction excersices etc)

[Simon C]

Same as mahler I guess:

DB Bench Press:
3 x 5 x 70lbs

3 sets, 5 reps

[Frank.S]

I think we should adapt my girlfriends log book style.

ie
back squat
-1 big plate and 10 for 5
-1 big plate and 20 for 5

(this would be.. 155 x 5.. and 175 x 5.. she doesnt count the bar, and doesnt count the weight on both sides).

I guess if it makes sense to you

[Simon C]

Thats the wierdest most confusing thing ever, but whatever works for her

[JoshDunn]

my diary looks like

bb squat 5x10 100kgx10, 10, 10, 10, 10

I only do it on paper and don't rego and tidy it up for on the net.

db get written as each one not total.

[Jeff Rage]

I lways put the weight first, since that is how I would say it aloud:
185X3X5
"185 lbs. for 3 sets of 5 (reps)"
I started putting an "s" if I'm using DB, so people wouldn't think it was the total weight.
EX:
DB Shrugs 110sX1X10

But it's your log, do whatever makes the most sense to you.