Training Log in Excel: A Comprehensive Guide for Personal Trainers using Excel or Google Sheets [2025]

In the ever-evolving realm of fitness, personal trainers are not only responsible for crafting effective workout routines but also for keeping meticulous records of their clients' progress. One of the most efficient ways to log and track client workout sessions is by leveraging the power of spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of using these tools to create an organized and insightful workout tracking system.

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Grab your FREE Training Log Template here

Why you should be tracking your clients' workouts

Before delving into the nitty-gritty of spreadsheet use, let's take a moment to understand why workout tracking is crucial. Logging workout sessions provides several benefits for both personal trainers and their clients:

• Progress Monitoring: Tracking workouts allows you to monitor clients' progress over time. This not only helps in assessing the effectiveness of the current program but also enables the modification of future workouts for optimal results.

• Goal Setting: With a detailed record of past sessions, trainers can set realistic and achievable goals tailored to each client's fitness journey. Everyone wants to work towards a real, achievable goal, right?

• Motivation: Sharing progress with clients can serve as a powerful motivational tool. Visualizing achievements, no matter how small, encourages clients to stay committed to their fitness goals. The best part? Your clients will feel motivated to stick to the workout regime and develop a loyalty to you.

• Adaptability: Trainers can adapt workouts based on recorded data, ensuring that each session is challenging yet manageable for the client. Again, this helps in keeping clients motivated to continue the program while ensuring the right amount of change in the program so its not repetitive.

Grab your FREE Training Log Template here

Different Types of Training Logs

In this post, we'll talk about how you can use Excel or Google Sheets to keep a training log for your clients. Both Excel and Google Sheets are robust spreadsheet tools, each with its unique advantages. The choice between the two often boils down to personal preference, accessibility, and collaboration requirements.

We'll also explore a third choice that has been built from the ground-up for trainers to track and log their clients' progress - EZbook.

Training Log in Excel:

• Offline Accessibility: Excel is a desktop application, offering offline access to files. This can be beneficial when internet connectivity is unreliable.

• Advanced Features: Excel is known for its advanced features and extensive formula library, making it a preferred choice for users who require complex calculations. This may be useful if you are collecting a ton of data for your clients.

• Integration with Other Microsoft Tools: For trainers already using other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word or PowerPoint, the seamless integration with Excel can streamline workflow.

Training Log in Google Sheets:

• Cloud-Based Collaboration: Google Sheets is cloud-based, enabling real-time collaboration. Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, facilitating teamwork.

• Accessibility: Being cloud-based also means that Sheets can be accessed from any device with internet connectivity, making it a convenient choice for on-the-go trainers.

• Automatic Saving: Google Sheets automatically saves changes, minimizing the risk of data loss due to unexpected events like power outages or crashes.

FREE Templates to track client workouts and progress

Learn more with our detailed templates: You can access free, ready-to-use templates on Excel and Google Sheets in this post.

Here's a Free Alternative to Using Google sheets and Excel

EZbook is the world's most flexible workout logger

Use copy-paste templates to plan all your client's sessions. Never retype a workout.

Try for free ➡️

EZbook has the world's easiest, most flexible workout logger

Share progress with your clients using stunning charts

Whether you want to track weight, personal bests, or skinfold measurements...add any metric you like and share beautiful charts with your clients using a view-link.

Start tracking progress for your clients today ➡️

Share stunning progress charts with your clients with EZbook

Personal Trainers & Fitness Coaches from 20+ countries use EZbook to

• Log client sessions, ultra-fast and on-the-go

• Share workouts & progress with clients

• Capture leads for free from social accounts

• Schedule and plan sessions in advance

• Track payments, revenue, and your growth 🚀

For each session, log your client's workouts...

Click to copy a previous training log and paste to update reps / weight and notes. No need to retype workouts, ever!

EZbook let's you log workouts and with copy-paste templates for quick updates

Click to share workout log and session history with clients

Clients can see a view-only log of their workouts, progress, and session history! The link updates in real-time.

Clients can then view their progress and session history with a view-only share link!

Start logging workouts for free!

EZbook is made for Personal Trainers and Fitness Coaches who want to scale their business by automating busywork and generating more leads. EZbook can help you track a training log for your clients on-the-go. Give it a go, save time, and delight your customers!

Get started with EZbook in seconds. Click on the link below to sign up. No Credit Card required.

If you need help or would like to learn more about EZbook, write to us at helloezbook@gmail.com. We reply as soon as possible!

FREE Workout Log Template: What you should be logging?

Whether you are using a diary, excel, or EZbook, you need to be tracking a few things to keep a neat track for your client.

Here's an example of what you should be tracking in a workout training log. Feel free to copy-paste this template into Excel or Google Sheets and began tracking!

We recommend keeping 1 tab per client.

Client Profile:

Client Name:	John Doe
Contact Info:	johndoe@email.com
Age:	30
Weight:	175 lbs
Height:	6'0"
Medical History:	No known medical conditions

Workout Training Log Example:

Date	Exercise	Sets	Reps	Weight (lbs)	Notes
[Date 3]	Bench Press	3	12	145	Felt strong today
[Date 3]	Squats	4	10	205	Improved form
[Date 3]	Deadlifts	3	15	245	New personal best
[Date 4]	Overhead Press	3	8	105	Needed help
[Date 4]	Lunges	3	12	75	Better than last time
[Date 4]	Bent Over Rows	4	8	125	Felt strong today

Setting Up the Spreadsheet

1. Create a Client Information Sheet:

Begin by setting up a sheet containing client information. Include details such as name, contact information, medical history, and fitness goals. This serves as a reference point for tailoring workouts to individual needs.

2. Build a Workout Template:

Design a template that includes essential details for each workout session. This may consist of columns for date, exercise name, sets, reps, weight, and notes. Creating a standardized template ensures consistency across sessions.

3. Utilize Tabs for Organization:

To maintain clarity and organization, use different tabs for various purposes. Consider having separate tabs for client information, workout templates, and each client's workout log.

Logging Workout Sessions

1. Date and Time Stamp:

Begin each workout session by logging the date and time. This establishes a chronological order for the workouts, aiding in progress analysis.

2. Exercise Details:

For each exercise, record details such as the name, number of sets, repetitions, and weight lifted. This information forms the core of the workout log and is essential for gauging improvement.

3. Notes Section:

Include a dedicated space for trainer notes and client feedback. This allows for communication between sessions and provides insights into the client's experience.

4. Progress Tracking:

Implement formulas to automatically calculate and display progress metrics. This could include total weight lifted, average intensity, or percentage increase in performance over time.

Have clients that do strength training at the Gym?

Download and start using this FREE ready Gym Training Excel Template for your clients

Ready to start tracking client sessions, workouts, and progress?

Start logging client workouts on-the-go with EZbook. It's easier to use than Google Sheets or Excel. Track client sessions, workouts, and progress on-the-go and share results with your clients in 1-click.

You can use EZbook as a mobile app, on your tablet, or on your desktop. Manage your clients, payments, sessions and orders, and log workouts and progress seamlessly in 2-clicks.

We build EZbook from ground up keeping convenience and flexibility in mind for Personal Trainers & Fitness Coaches. Sign up for free. We offer a $0/mo generous free plan.