The short answer
Track the exercise, weight, reps, sets, date, and total volume. Add personal records when they happen. That is enough for most lifters to see whether training is moving.
Start with the last session
Most gym progress comes from making a better decision than last time. If you opened Bench Press and saw 80 kg for 8 reps, you know the next target before you touch the bar.
This is where a clean log beats memory. You do not need a perfect dashboard. You need the last useful set in front of you.
Track weight and reps together
Weight alone can lie. Reps alone can lie too. A 90 kg single and 80 kg for 8 reps tell different stories. Keep both, then compare the exact work you did.
Use volume as a weekly signal
Volume is weight multiplied by reps. It is not perfect, but it is useful. If your chest work went from 6,000 kg to 7,200 kg across similar sessions, something changed.
Do not chase volume every day. Use it as a signal for training load, not as a score you must always beat.
Keep personal records simple
A personal record should feel obvious. Best weight, best volume, or a clear best set are enough. Too many record types can make a normal workout feel messy.
What Gymli is built to do
Gymli keeps each exercise history close to the workout. You can see the last top set, total volume, personal records, and finished workouts without digging through notes.