How to Plan Your Workout Program
Find out how to plan your workout program. Before getting started with a new workout program, it’s important to put some careful thought and consideration into how you are designing the workout.
Implementing a successful workout program is the first order of business. Far too many people don’t consider how or why they’re moving and end up doing an improper workout which can cause injury.
There are many factors that you need to take into account when it comes to designing a workout program. You should have a good understanding of what these are to ensure that you are doing everything possible in the gym or home gym to get the results that you are looking for.
Where do you begin?
Fundamentals for your Workout Program
Your available time: First, assess how much time you have to devote to a workout regimen each week. This will help you determine the nature of your program.
Your type of workout: Do you prefer to work the entire body in one session? Or, should you split muscle groups up into multiple sessions throughout the week?
Your current fitness level: Do you need a beginner’s program or are you confident to try something that is more advanced?
Your available equipment: Are you working out in your home gym in the comfort of your own home with minimal equipment? Or will you utilize a gym that has plenty of weights and machines?
Your health goals: Are you just looking for fat loss? Or, do you want to improve your physical performance with overall body strengthening, toning and weight loss?
Previous exercises: Are there certain exercises that you enjoy more and would like to do more of? Maybe using the treadmill is one of your favorite cardio exercises. Or are there certain exercises that you dislike, such as running or weight-training?
Your desire for a social environment: Do you prefer group fitness classes over solo sessions? You may feel more comfortable with other people working toward similar goals. But on the other hand you may feel better in the comfort of your own home. If the latter is your choice, then you must be extremely disciplined to achieve your workout goals.
Your boredom level: How easily do you get bored with a workout program? How often would you need to change your workout plan, either to accommodate your schedule or retain your interest?
Is strength training a priority? This will dictate how many strength-training exercises versus cardio sessions you need each week.
How many other activities do you perform outside of the gym? Walking or power walking are good exercises. If you perform exercises like this, it creates a guage to see how much total gym time you can comfortably do in addition to these exercises. You will also see how much more activity you may need to meet your goals.
What is your motivation level? This will determine whether you need to work out with a personal trainer or in a group class to get moral support and increase accountability. Or, you are willing to give it your all and workout on your own.
What are the muscle groups you want to target? This information will help assess the exercises that you should do. No matter what, do not neglect doing a full body workout, with a special focus on your core.
Workout Program Implemented
Hopefully, you just implemented the proper workout program that will add years to your life. Dieters who take the time to do this will advance their weight loss goals and get the results that they are seeking much sooner.
The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise. The best course of action is to consider what is going to work best for you, given your goals and the other variables discussed above.
The best program for you will be the one that you enjoy the most and can stick with over time.
Go for it…You have put in the effort. So now it is time to reap the benefits!