Training logs

[John Alston]

So does anyone here have a good system for logging their work with built in metrics?
Here's a sample I built using google spreadsheet
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key= ... aiZb7UXmLQ
The first sheet has some examples, the second one is auto-filled in from the first. I'm just wondering if there are free programs (mac compatible) or websites that offer this.
I could build a pretty strong system in excel, or even access, but can't use those at home.
Strengthandbody.com has some training log specific interfaces but there's no metrics there, so the advantage of that over anywhere else (like here) is nil.

I also posted this on irongarm - http://www.irongarmx.net/phpBB2/view...p?f=2&t=195773 - disclosure of the crosspost.

[Derek Simonds]

John can you repost the link to the Google spreadsheet? You might have to use a tiny link if there are spaces in the URL.

I have been trying to decide what I wanted to track in regards to metrics. I was inspired by yours and Yoon's graphs of performance you posted at the end of the year.

The only metrics that I came up with were total weight lifted each day for each of the individual lifts and total weights combined. I figured this way I would be able to see a steady improvement on a weekly basis in the graph.

[John Alston]

Template
Here's the link again.

Tracking total weight lifted over a long time might be cool and useful. My graph was just competition lifts, but there's a lot one could do.

[Derek Simonds]

I threw together very quickly what I was talking about in an excel spreadsheet. This works for me during our Bulgarian phases but will need additional activities for our strength phases. I also want to have one for Met-Cons and the best I can come up with is total minutes of Met-Con per week.

I definitely prefer looking at a graph to track improvement.

I don't really know my way around Excel so this was cobbled together. What I liked about your google spreadsheet was the ability to enter sets/reps/weights for totals. That was good. I didn't take the time to figure out how to have an entry page and multiple data pages for the graphs.

I spent the last 15 minutes trying to find someplace to put the excel file on the web and failed miserably. Hell I couldn't even get a picture to upload to tinypic of the graph. AAARGH. If you want to look at the excel I will email it to you.

[John Alston]

I think the end result is that I'll use some computer calculations but focus on my weekly planner log. A two page spread opens up to a week where I can glance and see my activity, note feelings of fatigue and what not.... I think a week is a good unit. If I see a bunch of busy weeks in a row, I should be able to tell it's time for an off week, for example.

I like the graph, too. Someone on irongarm recommended openoffice for checking out excel like power. I haven't tackled it yet. We'll see. Right now I'm still coming back from a sick induced layoff so my entries of "some pullups and pushups" wouldn't even register on the graphs, so I've got time. I'll share if I find or create anything I think is easy and useful.

[Derek Simonds]

The more I play with data the more I like graphs. It is easy to tell if you are in a normal progression.

Keep us posted.

[John Alston]

I'm playing with google spreadsheet charting functions right now... there's some options...