Last week your client got eight reps through the prescribed range, with a controlled lowering phase and a stable setup. This week they lifted more weight, cut the range, lowered faster and used more of the body to move it. Both sets belong in the logbook. To judge progress, you need to know whether they were doing the same task.
Write down the execution standard
Define what a rep has to meet before you compare sessions. Small variations are normal. The standard needs to be clear enough that another coach could watch the set and tell you which reps count.
- Exercise and setup. Record the variation, equipment, body position and any support or assistance.
- Range of motion. Use the same planned endpoints. If the client shortens the range as the set gets hard, record where that happened.
- Tempo and pauses. Keep the prescribed control on the descent and any pauses you asked for.
- Load, reps and effort. Record what the client actually did, then compare sets at a similar effort target or proximity to failure.
- Rest. Record the interval between sets, especially when you compare later sets across sessions.
What counts as progress?
Take that eight-rep set as your baseline. A ninth rep at the same load, with comparable execution and effort, can be progress. Eight reps with more load can be progress when the same standard holds. Better control at the same prescription can also be a useful improvement. Write down what improved so you can check it again next session.
If the client adds weight and cuts the range, record the heavier set as performed. You can then repeat the original prescription to see how they perform against last week’s set. If you deliberately change the range, tempo or exercise, record the new prescription and use it as the baseline for future comparisons.
Before you add weight, decide what you need to see on the next set for that increase to count.
