Fitdown

Markup language and parser for weightlifting logs. A superset of Markdown.

The idea is to be able to derive structured data from concise workout notes taken on a smartphone.

Here's an example of a workout log in the WeightliftingML format:

Workout September 16, 2020

Snatch
Up to technique bar + 35lb each side

Clean and Jerk
Up to 145lb

Squat
3x5@165
  
Bench
3x5@170
  
Deadlift
5@185
5@255 TOUGH

The following elements are parsed:

Workout Date

Example:

Workout September 16, 2020

It triggers on the term "Workout", and requires this very specific date format.

All exercises that follow a workout date line have that data associated with it.

Exercises with Sets & Reps

Example:

Deadlift
5@185
5@255

This notation allows you to track a specific exercise and its sets and reps (repititions) with poundages.

The first line of the group specifies the exercise, e.g. Deadlift.

Subsequent lines indicate one set each, where the structure is ${reps}@${poundage}. For example 5@185 means 5 reps at 185 pounds. This triggers on the @ symbol.

Single Line Exercises

Example:

5@185 Deadlift

You can also define an entire exercise on a single line. The above example is equivalent to:

Deadlift
5@185

However, be careful to include an empty line before the single line exercise, otherwise it will be grouped with the previous exercise.

Exercises with Multiplied Sets & Reps

Example:

Squat
3x5@165

You can use a multiplier like 3x or 4x as a concise alternative to repeating the same sets. It triggers on x or X.

The above example is equivalent to:

Squat
5@165
5@165
5@165

Notes

Example:

Deadlift
5@185
5@255 TOUGH

You can add any text after a set to add notes to it. In this case the notes TOUGH are associated to the second Deadlift set.

Loosely Formatted Exercises

Examples:

Snatch
Up to technique bar + 35lb each side

Clean and Jerk
Up to 145lb

It triggers on "lb". Exercise and poundage are parsed, and the entire line that includes "lb" is treated as notes.

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Justin Curry for the sample notes, notation ideas, and collaboration on this!