Starting Strength Logbook
Starting Strength Logbook
Built around Rippetoe's 3x5 Novice Linear Progression — warm-up sets, working sets, and jump math all in one spread.
Why this logbook
Built specifically for Starting Strength
Starting Strength is the most effective novice program ever written because it exploits a single rare window: the first 3-9 months where beginners can add weight to the bar literally every workout. The protocol is simple — 3 sets of 5 across, add 5lb upper / 10lb lower (10/15 on deadlift) next session, stall, reset, stall again, switch to Texas Method. The challenge isn't complexity; it's ruthless discipline about warm-up sets (Rippetoe is dogmatic about them), recording exactly which weights you hit for all 15 reps, and knowing when you've actually stalled versus just having a bad day. A custom Starting Strength logbook makes the program self-documenting.
Starting Strength tracking is deceptively specific. You need a warm-up calculator on every spread so you don't have to do 45/95/135/185/225 math mid-session. You need 3x5 columns that make a failed rep impossible to hide (Rippetoe is clear: if you don't hit all 15, it doesn't count as a make). You need to track consecutive stalls on the same lift so you know when to run the 10% reset. And you need a dedicated page to log your Power Cleans or RDLs as Phase 2 substitutes. Generic logbooks force you to scribble this in the margin. Ours bakes it in.
What you get
Starting Strength-specific tracking features
Warm-up sets calculator (bar / 40% / 60% / 75% / 90% / work)
3-across working-set grid for strict 3x5 tracking
Next-session weight jump suggestion box
Consecutive stall counter (for 10% reset decisions)
Phase 2 tracker (Power Clean / RDL swap-in)
Real lifters
What they're saying
“Six months in ForgeLogbooks delivered more strength than my previous two years combined. The spreads keep me honest.”
Alex, 26
Teacher • Starting Strength
Free Starting Strength template
Try it before you buy the full book
Grab the free single-page Starting Strength log template — drop your email and we'll send it straight to your inbox.
Dig deeper
Related Starting Strength training reads
13 min read
Starting Strength Logbook – Track Your Linear Progression
Linear progression works only when every workout is documented. This guide shows exactly what to track so your novice phase lasts as long as possible.
Read the full article →
12 min read
The Starting Strength Logbook Template: Mastering Linear Progression
Linear Progression is fragile. It relies on perfect consistency. You cannot add 5 lbs to your squat on Wednesday if you forgot what you squatted on Monday. A logbook removes your feelings from the equation and shows you the objective data that drives rapid strength gains.
Read the full article →
Frequently asked
Starting Strength logbook questions
Does this cover Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Starting Strength?+
Yes. The template supports Day A (Squat / Bench / Deadlift) and Day B (Squat / Press / Power Clean or Deadlift) with built-in room for the Phase 2 Power Clean or RDL swap.
How do I track a reset when I stall?+
After two consecutive failed sessions on the same lift, Rippetoe's protocol is a 10% reduction and rebuild. Each lift page has a stall counter and a reset log, so you never have to guess how many times you've reset.
Are warm-up sets included?+
Every working set has a warm-up ladder above it with percentage prompts (40/60/75/90%). No more 45→95→135→185→225 math between sets.
What if I stall on Starting Strength and need to switch to Texas Method?+
When you graduate, the /logbooks/texas-method build is waiting. The builder lets you continue tracking in the same journal if you're mid-notebook.
Can I use this as a pure novice running Rippetoe's book version?+
Yes — the template maps 1:1 to Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training (3rd edition). Log exactly what the book prescribes.
Ready to build your Starting Strength logbook?
Pre-configured with a Starting Strength template — edit freely before you buy.