Short answer: mark warm-up sets as warm-ups, or leave them out of the log, and record only working sets as your main data. Mixing them makes your average load, volume and personal bests unreliable.
How to Log Warm-Up Sets Without Mixing Them With Working Sets
Workout Tracking · 26 October 2026
Why it matters
Say your working weight on squats is 80 kg for 3 sets of 8. You also did 20 kg x 10, 40 kg x 5 and 60 kg x 3 to prepare. If all six sets are logged equally, your "average weight" drops, your total sets rise, and a comparison with last week is meaningless.
A simple convention
- Label the set type. Warm-up (W) or working. If your logger has no field, put "W" in the notes.
- Log working sets in full. Weight, reps and, if you use it, effort.
- Log warm-ups briefly or not at all. Many people only record the heaviest warm-up.
- Keep it consistent. The same rule every session.
What counts as a working set
A set meant to challenge the target muscle at the planned reps and effort. Light ramp-up sets that prepare you are warm-ups. If in doubt, ask: "Would I count this toward my weekly sets for the muscle?"
How many warm-up sets?
It depends on the exercise, load and you. One crossover study in resistance-trained people compared no warm-up, one specific warm-up set and two sets before bench press and leg press, and reported negligible to small differences in repetition performance and perceived exertion. A narrative review on time-efficient training also discusses how much warm-up is needed. In short, the evidence does not point to one required number of sets. A common practice is to ramp the load up over a few sets for the first heavy lift and use fewer for later exercises. Choose what lets you lift well and feel ready, and warm up more if you feel stiff or the weight is heavy for you.
Common mistakes
- Logging warm-ups as working sets, inflating volume.
- Logging nothing at all when the ramp-up was substantial and you want to remember it.
- Changing the rule mid-programme.
An example log
| Exercise | Type | Weight | Reps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squat | Warm-up | 20 kg | 10 |
| Squat | Warm-up | 50 kg | 4 |
| Squat | Working | 80 kg | 8 |
| Squat | Working | 80 kg | 8 |
| Squat | Working | 80 kg | 7 |
Your working volume is three sets, and your best set is 80 kg x 8. The warm-ups remain visible but do not distort the totals.
Key takeaways
- Separate warm-up from working sets.
- Compare only like with like.
- Pick one rule and keep it.
FAQ
Do I need to log warm-up sets at all? No. Only if they help you remember how you ramp up.
Do warm-up sets count towards weekly volume? Usually not. Count working sets.
