A notebook becomes difficult to review when the same movement appears under several names. Choose labels that identify the actual variation and equipment. “Row” may be too broad if you use a cable station, a supported machine, and dumbbells. A little precision at the start saves confusion when you return to the record weeks later.
Write the exercise name before the working sets. Add a short equipment identifier when your gym has similar machines. Keep settings close to the name so the page explains how the movement was arranged. Avoid abbreviations that only make sense while you are standing beside the station. The future reader is you, with less immediate context.
Separate intentional variations from accidental changes. If you switch attachments or alter the setup, note it clearly. Different movements should not be combined into one progress line simply because they train a similar area. Accurate labels allow flexibility while preserving the meaning of the numbers you collect.
Review the naming system occasionally and simplify it where possible. You do not need technical language for its own sake. Use terms you understand and can repeat consistently. A well-labeled log gives the session a clear structure and makes questions for a coach easier to explain. The record should help you recognize what happened, not require you to reconstruct the workout from memory.