Logging one’s training in the gym is essential for tracking progression and/or recognizing when a plateau hits. On March 20, 2023, Men’s Open bodybuilder Hunter Labrada took to his YouTube channel to share how to accurately record that in his “Tuesday Tip” series.
Labrada detailed why standardizing the form for each exercise is critical. Logging weights for each exercise could represent inaccurate results without a standardized form. Hear what he had to say in the video below:
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When standardizing one’s form, Labrada expressed the importance of paying attention to every facet of both the setup and the movement itself, from body positioning to bracing to points of contact on each machine.
By establishing a standardized form, you’re able to truly record your progress.
Ultimately, according to Labrada, progress is “all we’re after” when training, and if form isn’t standardized, there is no measurable way to calibrate that progression or lack thereof.
It’s very hard to measure your quantifiable progress if you don’t have your form standardized.
In addition to the abovementioned facets, standardization of tempo used for each movement should be considered. The stimulus perceived by the body depends on the tempo of each rep and the amount of time spent on the eccentric and concentric portions of the lift.
For those who track your work, this is exceedingly important. For those who don’t…[standardizing form] will make your training a whole lot better.
Even if multiple standardized forms exist for the same exercise in a training program, logging them separately to measure each over time can help inform when to add load.
[Related: 6-Time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates Explains How Smith Machine Squats Outshine Barbell Squats]
Standardizing form is also invaluable amidst a cut, as it will allow a lifter to know whether or not they are maintaining their strength while sustaining a caloric deficit. Typically, strength will naturally decrease during a cut because the body has less energy from fewer calories.
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Featured image: @hunterlabrada on Instagram
