A line such as 3 × 10 only tells you enough when you also know which exercise, weight and technique are intended. Here you can learn how to understand a plan’s notation and keep your own records clear.
Terms you encounter in a plan
- Exercise and variation
- The movement you perform, with the intended equipment or machine. A dumbbell exercise and a machine exercise are separate records, even if their names are similar.
- Repetition or rep
- One performance of the exercise. Reps is short for repetitions.
- Set
- A series of repetitions. 3 × 10 usually means three sets of ten repetitions. Check the creator's explanation if the notation is used differently.
- Rest
- The break between sets or exercises. Check whether a time is in seconds or minutes and what the break refers to.
- Routine and programme
- A routine groups exercises for a workout. A programme can contain several routines. The precise structure depends on your plan or app.
Read a completed line from left to right
This is a fictional reading example, not a recommendation for exercises or training load:
| Exercise | Sets × repetitions | Weight | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dumbbell row, agreed variation | 2 × 10 | 12 kg per dumbbell | Use the same variation; discuss technique questions before starting. |
First read which exercise is intended, then the planned sets and repetitions, followed by weight and instructions. This line says nothing about which weight or exercise suits you. You determine that within your own plan and coaching.
Check what the recorded weight means
For a barbell, the total weight of bar and plates is often recorded. For dumbbells, it may mean weight per dumbbell. Specify this: recording two 12 kg dumbbells as 24 kg makes comparison with 12 kg per hand unclear.
For a machine, note which one you used if needed. A number on different machines need not represent the same resistance. The plate calculator helps with a chosen total weight on a 20 kg bar, but does not choose your training weight.
Your plan and execution may differ
Did the plan say ten repetitions but you completed nine? Record nine in your log. If you did not do a set, record that rather than copying planned figures. If a detail is missing, show that it is missing.
Also record when you use different equipment. You will then understand why two records are not directly comparable. View the completed training log and read how to start with a training plan.
About this guidance
This practical guidance was compiled by the Workouts Wizard editorial team to help organise training and coaching. The fictional examples describe a way of working; they are not personal training advice. Read about Workouts Wizard or ask a question about this guidance.