Benefits of Workout Log Books & Best Workout Logs for 2025
Reading Time: 11 minutes A workout log will keep you honest with the intensity of your training, help you maintain a proper schedule, and provide many other benefits, whether you are starting a bodybuilding program, trying to lose a few pounds, or simply trying to exercise more to become healthier.
There a variety of workout tracking books you can use, and you could even get a simple journal from your local supermarket or office supplies store, but I think the best workout log book I have seen is the Cossac Fitness Log Book & Workout Planner:
Last update on 2025-04-30 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
If you want a more complex system of accountability and motivation, you could even start your own fitness blog and blog about fitness to track your workouts!
Whether you choose to promote your workout tracking to the world or keep it for yourself, there are many benefits to tracking your workouts!
What is a Gym Log?
A workout log book (also known as a fitness journal, workout tracker or gym log) is a journal or notebook where you record your workouts, including the exercises, sets, reps, and weights lifted.
Keeping a workout log book or fitness journal is one of the most underrated tips for maintaining your fitness goals.
Although there are several fitness apps (such as Train Heroic) that can be substituted as a workout log book, I’ve preferred pencils and paper for years as the optimum workout log book for my needs.
It serves as a personalized record of your fitness journey, helping you stay organized and focused on achieving specific outcomes.
Gym logs can be as simple as a notebook or as advanced as a structured planner with designated sections for exercises, sets, reps, and notes on performance.
- In its simplest form, a gym log records the core details of your workout sessions—such as the exercises performed, the weight lifted, and the number of sets and reps completed.
- However, more comprehensive gym logs may also include space for tracking variables like rest times, perceived exertion, or even notes on nutrition, mood, or energy levels on a given day.
By maintaining a gym log, you can reflect on past workouts, plan future sessions with greater intention, and identify trends that contribute to your success or signal areas for improvement.
This tool is invaluable for beginners aiming to build consistency, as well as for experienced athletes striving to optimize their training performance.
Whether digital or on paper, a gym log transforms your fitness journey into a structured and measurable process.
Benefits of Keeping a Workout Log
Keeping a workout log is more than just jotting down exercises and numbers; it’s a powerful tool that helps you take control of your fitness journey.
By recording your progress, you gain a clearer understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and overall improvements over time.
A workout log provides structure, builds accountability, and ensures that every session is purposeful and aligned with your goals.
Whether you’re training for strength, weight loss, athletic performance, or general health, tracking your workouts creates a tangible connection to your efforts, making it easier to stay motivated and consistent.
From maintaining a balanced routine to overcoming plateaus, a workout log offers countless benefits to help you maximize your potential.
Track Progress Over Time
There are certainly many reasons to use a workout log book, but the most important reason is that it helps you stay focused on your goals.
Often, when following any type of workout routines, it becomes difficult to “stay the course” and not give up too early.
By consistently writing down the results of your workouts, you will easily be able to see how much improvement you have made in your body!
Tracking workouts in a fitness journal will make it substantially easier to stay focused on your goals over long periods of time since you will always have an easy reference of how far you have come already!
Hold Yourself Accountable
Furthermore, keeping a workout log book will keep you accountable for your own workouts and motivate you to push forward!
It is an innate feature of humans that we do not want to regress in our abilities at any time.
By tracking your workouts, you will be much more apt to compete with your “old self” and push to break through any plateaus or barriers you will face.
As much as this is important for novice trainees, it is also important for those who have been training for a substantial amount of time.
Those who have been training consistently for years can easily become complacent with their workouts, needing the extra push of a workout log book to keep them focused and pursuing better achievements in their health, fitness, and appearance.
Improve Workout Planning
Using a workout log enhances your ability to plan sessions with precision and efficiency, leading to better results with less wasted time and effort.
By tracking your past workouts, you can identify patterns and ensure that your future routines are balanced, targeting specific muscle groups or fitness goals effectively.
This helps you avoid overtraining or neglecting key areas, creating a more structured and intentional approach to your fitness journey.
Additionally, having a record of what works allows you to design workouts that are both challenging and realistic without spending excessive time brainstorming new routines from scratch.
Instead of guessing or repeating ineffective exercises, you can refine your strategy based on proven success.
This not only saves time but also ensures that every session contributes to your progress, maximizing the value of each workout.
Find Patterns in Your Training
Another one of the most important benefits of keeping a workout log is that you will find patterns in your workouts and easily be able to find where you can improve, as well as where you are being successful.
For example, if your body was feeling much stronger and looking better a month ago compared to today, you can easily go back in your log book and discover what the difference in your workouts is without having to “think” at all!
This can be helpful over the course of a year, especially if you are the type of person who does many different types of training.
If you ever hit a weightlifting plateau, your workout log will be there to help you find a solution to what may have worked before to make some quick “gains.”
Prevent Injuries
By tracking your workouts, you can identify patterns of overtraining or imbalances that may lead to injury.
You can also use your fitness journal to track your rest days and recovery time.
By keeping a workout log, you can identify areas of your body that may need more attention.
You can then adjust your workouts to target these areas, leading to more balanced and effective training.
How to Choose the Right Fitness Journal
Choosing the right workout log book can help you stay organized and motivated in your fitness journey. Here are some factors to consider when buying a fitness journal:
- Size: Consider the size of the workout log book. Do you want a small, pocket-sized book that you can easily carry around or a larger one that allows you to write more details?
- Format: Consider the format of the workout log book. Do you want a pre-made template with specific fields to fill in or a blank notebook you can customize?
- Durability: Consider the durability of the workout log book. Will it withstand being tossed in a gym bag or exposed to sweat? Choose a book made of durable materials, such as thick paper or a waterproof cover.
- Extras: Consider any extra features that the workout log book may have. Does it include tips on improving your workouts or space for setting goals and tracking nutrition?
- Compatibility: Consider if you want a paper or digital workout log book. If you prefer a digital app, check if it’s compatible with your
- phone or fitness tracker.
- Price: Consider the price of the workout log book. Many affordable options are available, but there are also higher-priced options with additional features.
The Best Workout Log Book
If you’re interested in purchasing a fitness journal for yourself, many options could be considered the best workout log book.
Here are the best workout log books I found:
1.) Cossac Fitness Log Book & Workout Planner
As I said before; personally, I think the best workout log book is the Cossac Fitness Log Book & Workout Planner.
The Cossac Undated Fitness Journal & Workout Planner is the ultimate choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking a durable, expertly designed logbook.
Created with input from fitness professionals, the Cossac fitness journal offers everything needed to track, plan, and elevate your fitness journey.
Its thoughtful layout includes dedicated spaces for exercises, sets, reps, cardio sessions, body measurements, and nutrition goals, making it a versatile tool for gym-goers and home fitness enthusiasts alike.
- The Cossac journal provides 140 days of undated workout tracking, giving you the freedom to start and stop without wasting pages.
- The durable cover and sturdy wire binding ensure the journal stays intact even with frequent use, while its compact 8.5 x 5.5-inch size makes it easy to carry in a gym bag.
A key feature of this journal is its emphasis on goal-setting and progress reflection.
You can set specific fitness targets and monitor your achievements, keeping you motivated and on track.
I highly suggest you use this section to set SMART Goals and track your progress with them.
The high-quality paper and protective cover add to its professional appearance, making it feel like a premium fitness companion.
With thousands of positive reviews and an affordable price point, the Cossac Fitness Journal is a clear choice for those serious about tracking their progress and maximizing their workouts.
Last update on 2025-04-30 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
2.) The Ultimate Fitness Journal by ZICOTO
The ZICOTO Ultimate Fitness Journal is an excellent choice for anyone looking to streamline their workout tracking with a sleek and functional design.
This A5-sized fitness log book offers a comprehensive layout for recording exercises, sets, reps, body measurements, and even nutrition goals.
Its minimalist style, durable faux leather cover, and convenient features like an elastic band closure and ribbon marker make it a practical tool for both gym-goers and home workout enthusiasts.
What sets this journal apart is its versatility. Whether you’re tracking strength training, cardio sessions, or overall wellness, the ZICOTO journal ensures all your fitness metrics are in one place.
With 140 pages, it provides ample space for detailed notes while remaining compact enough to carry with you.
Additionally, its user-friendly design promotes accountability, helps maintain consistency, and encourages progress toward both short- and long-term fitness goals.
If you prefer a structured yet simple fitness tracker with features like a workout calendar and space for additional notes, the ZICOTO Ultimate Fitness Journal is a top contender.
Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
3.) WODBOOK Workout Journal
The WODBOOK Workout Journal for Athletes is a top choice for CrossFit athletes and anyone looking to track detailed, high-intensity workouts.
With its tailored layout and features, this logbook ensures you capture every aspect of your training, making it one of the best tools for tracking and planning progress.
- Comprehensive Tracking: This journal provides space for 200 workout templates, including WODs, personal records, and benchmarks for popular CrossFit exercises. It also accommodates nutrition, weight, sleep, and mood tracking, making it a holistic fitness companion.
- Goal-Oriented Layout: The WODBOOK features sections for setting goals and tracking achievements. It includes resources like weightlifting percentage charts, travel WODs, and body measurements, helping you stay focused and accountable.
- Durability and Portability: With a compact 6×8-inch wire-bound design and a durable cover, this journal fits neatly into gym bags and can withstand regular use in CrossFit boxes or outdoor workouts.
The WODBOOK is ideal for athletes who thrive on structured, performance-oriented training.
Its inclusion of 30 “Girl” WODs, 22 “Hero” WODs, and space for custom entries makes it a versatile tool for any fitness program.
The added ability to reflect on mood, energy, and sleep patterns helps users optimize recovery and training schedules.
This journal is particularly useful for those transitioning away from digital apps, as it consolidates all tracking needs into one easy-to-navigate resource.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or new to CrossFit, the WODBOOK simplifies progress tracking while adding a motivational edge to your routine.
Priced reasonably and with an impressive list of features, the WODBOOK is a premium option for fitness enthusiasts who want to elevate their training experience.
Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Digital Alternatives to Workout Log Books
Digital platforms offer a modern, convenient way to track your workouts, progress, and nutrition on your smartphone or tablet.
For those who enjoy leveraging technology, apps like MyFitnessPal and TrainHeroic provide exceptional features that rival physical workout log books.
MyFitnessPal is a versatile app that combines workout and nutrition tracking.
It boasts a vast food database, integration with wearable fitness devices, and the ability to log exercises, making it ideal for those who want a comprehensive view of their health.
On the other hand, TrainHeroic caters specifically to athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for customizable training plans and real-time performance tracking.
It offers access to workout libraries, detailed analytics, and team-based accountability features that elevate training sessions.
- While these digital options provide undeniable advantages like syncing capabilities, advanced analytics, and portability, the tactile experience of using a pencil and paper workout log book still holds significant appeal for many, including myself.
- Writing out workouts by hand adds a personal touch to the process and creates a deeper connection to the effort and planning involved.
- For me, a physical log book brings clarity and focus that technology cannot replicate.
Ultimately, whether you opt for a digital solution or a traditional log book, the key is to stay consistent in tracking your progress and holding yourself accountable to your fitness goals.
Both methods have their strengths, and choosing the one that aligns best with your preferences can help sustain motivation and ensure success.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Workout Log Journal?
A workout log book or fitness journal is invaluable for anyone serious about making meaningful changes to their body and fitness level.
Regardless of your experience—whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just beginning your fitness journey—tracking your workouts allows you to identify what works best and optimize your efforts.
By consistently recording your goals, exercises, and progress, you gain a clear picture of your performance and a tangible way to measure improvement.
Using a gym log isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s a straightforward and effective strategy to enhance your physical appearance and overall fitness without overhauling your diet or training program.
Simply put, keeping a workout journal is a low-effort, high-impact habit that keeps you focused, accountable, and motivated to achieve your goals.
