Store Menu

WhoDat83 · 02-04-2010, 02:52 PM

I started working out 3-4 months ago and had a few questions about my routine.

I have been using iFitness, which has really helped me get started and stay focused. I have been using one of the routines that comes with the app, http://www.fullfitness.net/routines/...orkout-program. I added a few exercises and removed a couple I didn't like but it is basically the same. I usually run 2 miles to warm up, do cardio on 2 of the off days and rest the third.

It has been working pretty well, I have definitely gained some strength and as I said above it keeps me focused/motivated. Recently though, I have noticed that my routine is very different from everyone elses in the gym and ones I have googled.

Basically my questions involve if I am using my time effectively. Most routines I see focus on muscle groups on a day (back & legs) where as the one I currently use is kinda all over the place on most days (chest, back, shoulders, bi&tri on day 1). Would it be more effective to switch to a more muscle group focused 4 day routine?

Also, that routine says to do two excercises back to back, increasing the reps each pass through the routine. I have yet to see anyone else do this, they do all their reps/sets on an exercise and move onto the next. Is one way better than the other?

Finally, is cardio on off days a bad idea? I know muscle builds during rest, but I really would like to tone up a bit.

As for my goals, I guess I am kinda in between "bulking" and "cutting". I would definitely like to gain some mass in my chest and strength overall, but my long term goal is to tone up and get some more definition.

If anyone has any tips or suggestions for a new routine I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance and geaux saints!

Kristian · 02-04-2010, 08:58 PM

Dont do that workout. Its a full body workout that works about every major muscle 4 times a week. Its definetly overtraining at least for a beginner as you shouldn't be performing any supersets yet. Choose a beginner workout here:
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/beginner.html

Its good that you warm up but you don't need to be running 2 miles for a warm up if your trying to add muscle because your just burning calories. Instead do light 5-10 minute cardio and strech before lifting. Finally your going to have to decide between bulking and cutting, you cant do both at the same time and can't really do anything in between. So if your gonna bulk then add 500 calories to your BMR but if you decide to cut then subtract 500 calories from your BMR. If you do cut first then the 2 mile jog would be fine. You should also switch your routine every 12 weeks.

Link to BMR:
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/too...alculator.html

Hope this helps!

02-04-2010, 02:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
WhoDat83 Just joined M&S Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Louisiana Gender: Male Training Exp: Just Started Current Goal: Build Muscle Photos: WhoDat83's Gallery Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	Routine Questions I started working out 3-4 months ago and had a few questions about my routine. I have been using iFitness, which has really helped me get started and stay focused. I have been using one of the routines that comes with the app, http://www.fullfitness.net/routines/...orkout-program. I added a few exercises and removed a couple I didn't like but it is basically the same. I usually run 2 miles to warm up, do cardio on 2 of the off days and rest the third. It has been working pretty well, I have definitely gained some strength and as I said above it keeps me focused/motivated. Recently though, I have noticed that my routine is very different from everyone elses in the gym and ones I have googled. Basically my questions involve if I am using my time effectively. Most routines I see focus on muscle groups on a day (back & legs) where as the one I currently use is kinda all over the place on most days (chest, back, shoulders, bi&tri on day 1). Would it be more effective to switch to a more muscle group focused 4 day routine? Also, that routine says to do two excercises back to back, increasing the reps each pass through the routine. I have yet to see anyone else do this, they do all their reps/sets on an exercise and move onto the next. Is one way better than the other? Finally, is cardio on off days a bad idea? I know muscle builds during rest, but I really would like to tone up a bit. As for my goals, I guess I am kinda in between "bulking" and "cutting". I would definitely like to gain some mass in my chest and strength overall, but my long term goal is to tone up and get some more definition. If anyone has any tips or suggestions for a new routine I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance and geaux saints!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Store Menu

Find Deals

Get Help

Forum

Photo Gallery

Articles Menu

Featured

Authors

Browse Videos

600+ Exercise Videos

Main Categories

Single Muscle Group

M&S Store

Supplement Guides

Ingredient Fact Sheets

Categories

Healthy Recipes

Athlete Profiles

Events

Organizations

Fitness Tools

02-04-2010, 08:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
Kristian M&S Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wisconsin Gender: Male Training Exp: 1-2 Years Current Goal: Build Muscle Photos: Kristian's Gallery Posts: 1,023 Rep Power: 589	Dont do that workout. Its a full body workout that works about every major muscle 4 times a week. Its definetly overtraining at least for a beginner as you shouldn't be performing any supersets yet. Choose a beginner workout here: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/beginner.html Its good that you warm up but you don't need to be running 2 miles for a warm up if your trying to add muscle because your just burning calories. Instead do light 5-10 minute cardio and strech before lifting. Finally your going to have to decide between bulking and cutting, you cant do both at the same time and can't really do anything in between. So if your gonna bulk then add 500 calories to your BMR but if you decide to cut then subtract 500 calories from your BMR. If you do cut first then the 2 mile jog would be fine. You should also switch your routine every 12 weeks. Link to BMR: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/too...alculator.html Hope this helps!