Let’s start with just a basic understanding of my typical way of noting workouts.
- 5x
- 5x Pull ups @ BW+5#
- 5x Clean & Jerk @ 135#
- Deadlifts
- 10×3 @ 225#
You’ll notice there are some things that are indented under other things. Paying attention to what is indented under what is crucial to understanding.
Take the first section above:
- 5x
- 5x Pull ups @ BW+5#
- 5x Clean & Jerk @ 135#
This means do 5 sets (5x) of 5 (5x) Pull ups at bodyweight plus 5 pounds (@ BW+5#) followed by 5 Clean & Jerk at 135 pounds.
To prepare for this, I’d load a bar with 135# (for the C&Js) and get a 5# dumbbell. I’d squeeze the dumbbell between my legs and do 5 pull ups, set the dumbbell down and immediately do 5 Clean & Jerks with the loaded barbell.
I’d then take a short rest (if I don’t specifically mention it, my rests are generally around 90 seconds) and do it again. I’d do that cycle a total of 5 times.
Make sense? Good.
Let’s take the next section. Sometimes I don’t make a circuit of different exercises. Sometimes I just do one thing over and over again. This is how I’d note that.
- Deadlifts
- 10×3 @ 225#
Again, pay attention to what is indented under what. This means I’m doing nothing but Deadlifts, and I did 10 sets of 3 reps each at a weight of 225 pounds.
Those two conventions are going to be the most popular as you read through here. Essentially, the real key is paying attention to what is indented and grouped under what.
You might also want to take a look at the <a href=”http://www.cesimpson.com/glossary/”>Glossary</a> if there are words or abbreviations your don’t recognize. This is a slow work in progress. If you have any questions, or see something I’ve missed, just leave a comment and ask a question. I’ll try to address it in a timely manner.