The Logbook

They always say if you don’t know your history you will be doomed to repeat it. This past week I came upon my old training logs and it was a very interesting read for sure. Over the four years of training (2002-2005) I found myself making lots of statements but not asking any questions. Nearly every third training day I wrote “I am tired”, “overtrained” or “worn out” and each year I would miss at least 6-8 weeks due to sickness. Knowing that insanity is doing the same things and expecting a different result, every comeback after a layoff was another excuse to try a “new” training program. That my friends, is truly insane!

Some points of interest:
•It was amazing that I could be overworked/overtrained when noticing how little volume I was doing. It was all based on INTENSITY– never once did I think about volume or density PRs. I would often add heavy partial lockouts to ensure my nervous system and adrenals were completely maxed.

•The weights used after frequent layoffs were always set at a puny 135 pounds and then I would state “add 10# next workout”. This was even after my maximum weights would be well over 300. It would take me at least 8 weeks to get to 80% of my max.

•No variety on lifts – max of 20 different exercises!

•Up to 10 minute rest breaks between sets

•Pitifully small changes in body comp/body fat %

•Blamed missing lifts on not taking my supplements exactly 25 minutes before the workout

Some of the workout notes included the following:
•Windmills x 5 (shoulders were grinding)
•Periodization really works!
•Couldn’t workout, too sore (at least 20 times)
•Breathing as though I ran a mile (after sets of 20 swings with the 20K)
•Barely got the 5x5; stay at same weight next time
•Almost blacked out
•Tough
•Poor sleep last night (20 times)
•Just doing “abbreviated” workouts for the summer
•Dehydrated, tired or both – every rep was heavy
•Be sure to Deadlift every Saturday
•Bench was good but although 135 felt like a ton I went up to 255
•Took it easy on bench, working through torn pec
•Start slow and “move up”
•Need progression or “no go”; go up gradually
•Way tired, done for Christmas season
•Lifted on pure adrenaline, be careful of overtraining; slight cold
•Sore from previous workout, especially grip
•I am so out of shape. I felt like puking on the squats and was dizzy
•Gripper 2x5 (Now I ask which one? How long did it take?)

To tell you the truth, it was absolutely depressing reading. I was completely lost. But I tried so DANG hard! I read all the books, I was dedicated (as my body would allow me to be), and ate loads of protein (and created several food allergies along the way). I was always doing what someone else said was right for me. What did it get me? Broken, confused, and nothing to show for my efforts.

It’s hard to believe that one system could change it all. I sound like a broken record bragging up Gym Movement but it is an absolutely brilliant system. All the above issues and comments could have been answered by simply using biofeedback and listening to my body.

I kept a few pages for posterity sake just to remember how bad it really was. But I threw 99% away and will absolutely never, ever go back. I’ve never been happier in my training. While I may have a runny nose once every couple years I don’t miss any training time. And I don’t need to take breaks or time off during the holidays! I now have a huge variety of exercises to choose from and best of all, I get to break personal records every day. Long live Gym Movement!