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Heavy Duty companion

It tells you
what to do
next.

Log the set. Get the next weight, reps, or rest. Trackers only record. This calls.

Open the logPrinciples

How it works

  1. 1

    Pick a routine

    Ideal or Consolidated. One set to failure.

  2. 2

    Log the set

    Weight and reps. That’s the whole entry.

  3. 3

    Get the call

    Go up, add reps, hold, or rest. Never extra sets.

The routines

Four workouts

Ideal Routine

Four workouts. One set. 4–7 days off.

Two workouts

Consolidated

Two workouts. Six compounds. When Ideal stalls.

Common questions

What is Mentzer Log?
A free companion for Mike Mentzer’s Heavy Duty method. Log one set to failure on the Ideal or Consolidated routine. It tells you the next weight, reps, or rest — and when to consolidate. Not just a workout tracker.
Why use Mentzer Log instead of a regular workout tracker?
Trackers record what you did. Mentzer Log tells you what to do next — add weight, add reps, hold, rest longer, or switch to Consolidated. No extra sets when you stall.
What is Mike Mentzer’s Heavy Duty training?
Heavy Duty is Mentzer’s method: brief, infrequent, high-intensity work. One set to failure. Grow in recovery. The routines are Ideal and Consolidated — not the method itself. If you are not stronger next time, you trained too soon.
How many sets should I do on Heavy Duty?
One working set to failure per exercise, after warm-ups. If you stall, add rest — not sets.
When do I increase the weight?
When you hit the top of the rep range in good form. Then add a little weight and start near the bottom. Double progression.
What if I get the same or fewer reps?
You were not recovered. Do not add weight or sets. Add a rest day, then repeat. If most lifts stall after extra rest on Ideal, Mentzer Log will call for Consolidated.
What is Mentzer’s Ideal Routine?
Four brief workouts in Mentzer’s Heavy Duty method: chest and back, legs and abs, shoulders and arms, then legs. One set to failure. 4–7 days between sessions.
What is Mentzer’s Consolidated Routine?
The reduced Heavy Duty routine. Two workouts, three compounds each. A: squat, pulldown, dip. B: deadlift, press, calf raise. Rest 5–7+ days. Use it when the Ideal Routine stalls — Mentzer Log tells you when.
When should I switch from Ideal to Consolidated?
When most lifts fail to beat last time, even with extra rest. Mentzer cut volume, not added it. Mentzer Log makes that program call. Do not add sets.
How many rest days between Heavy Duty workouts?
Usually 4–7 on Ideal, 5–7 or more on Consolidated. If you are not stronger, add a rest day.
Does Mentzer Log use pounds or kilograms?
Both. Switch lb or kg for the session, or per exercise — machines and dumbbells often disagree.
Can I substitute exercises?
Yes — only Mentzer’s own swaps. Pec deck or flye. Pressdown or skull crusher. Barbell, preacher, or dumbbell curl. Pulldown or chin-up. Dip or decline press. Same slot, same log. Do not add extra lifts.
Is Mentzer Log for Heavy Duty II?
Yes. Ideal and Consolidated are the routines from Mentzer’s later book Heavy Duty II: Mind and Body. This is the logbook for those programs — not a replacement for the book. Mentzer told clients to keep a progress chart. That’s what this is.
Is Mentzer Log free?
Yes. Free at mentzerlog.com. Sign in with Google, X, or email.