{"id":2656,"date":"2022-04-19T05:58:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-19T05:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/?p=2656"},"modified":"2022-04-20T01:48:16","modified_gmt":"2022-04-20T01:48:16","slug":"how-to-build-your-own-workout-routine-plans-schedules-and-exercises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/everything-else\/how-to-build-your-own-workout-routine-plans-schedules-and-exercises\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Build Your Own Workout Routine: Plans, Schedules, and Exercises"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3580848\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/da-vinci-713x298-1.png\" alt=\"How do you become like this perfect man? Building your own workout will help!\" width=\"713\" height=\"298\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/da-vinci-713x298-1.png 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/da-vinci-300x125-1.png 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/da-vinci-600x251-1.png 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/da-vinci.png 727w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>I get multiple emails and messages per day asking:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>&#8220;Steve, what should I do for a workout?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Well, partner, today is your lucky day.<\/p>\n<p><strong>I&#8217;m gonna help build you a custom workout program, step-by-step!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After all, a workout <em>should<\/em> be developed around a person\u2019s age, goals, nutritional strategy, free time, etc.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only that, but <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">it&#8217;s easy to overcomplicate this process<\/span> &#8211; there are an infinite number of exercises, sets, reps, and programs to choose from.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Now, if you&#8217;re somebody that wants to skip all of that, and JUST want to be told what exactly to do:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b> <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We build customized workouts for our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Online Coaching Clients<\/a> and would love to have you. We <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get to know your story and struggles, your goals, and your lifestyle, and develop a workout plan that fits your schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2932709 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plan-713x403-1.png\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery1\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button yellow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tWant a customized workout plan you\u2019ll ACTUALLY do? Learn more:\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<p><b>Now, if you\u2019re more of a \u201cfigure this stuff out on my own\u201d kind of person \u2013 we\u2019re going to dig into how to build your own workout plan today!<\/b><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve <i>also<\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> created a free resource for folks who want to build their own workout but would love some more specific direction and instruction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You can download our free guide, <i><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Strength Training 101: Everything You Need to Know<\/strong><\/span>,<\/i> which covers all of this stuff in a single guide:<\/p>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup-leadin\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup one-column split yellow-cta strength-101 shortcode-form-13 \">\n<div class=\"nf-signup-intro\">\n<div><span style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"pre\">Download our comprehensive guide<\/span> <span class=\"extra\">STRENGTH TRAINING 101!<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-signup-benefit\">\n<ul>\n<li>Everything you need to know about getting strong.<\/li>\n<li>Workout routines for bodyweight AND weight training.<\/li>\n<li>How to find the right gym and train properly in one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-signup-form\"><img class=\"asset-image\" src=\"&gt;\" \/><\/p>\n<form accept-charset=\"UTF-8\" action=\"https:\/\/tv329.infusionsoft.com\/app\/form\/process\/12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" class=\"infusion-form\" method=\"POST\" id=\"inf_form_12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\"><input name=\"inf_form_xid\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" \/><input name=\"inf_form_name\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"Plugin Signup\" \/><input name=\"infusionsoft_version\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"1.68.0.144\" \/><input class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_field_Email\" name=\"inf_field_Email\" type=\"email\" required placeholder=\"Your Email\" \/><input name=\"null\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"null\" \/><input style=\"display:none;\" class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_custom_SiteSignupURL\" name=\"inf_custom_SiteSignupURL\" type=\"text\" value=\"http:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/feed\/\" \/><input style=\"display:none;\" class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_custom_SignupPostID\" name=\"inf_custom_SignupPostID\" type=\"text\" value=\"4501\" \/>\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOriginURL\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOriginLandingPage\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_IPAddress\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"246.61.43.147\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastMedium\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastCampaign\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastSource\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastTerm\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastContent\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOptinFormFilledDate\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"2022-04-20 00:12:20\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_infcustomcoachvariation\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_FacebookBrowserId\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_FacebookClickId\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"infusion-submit\">\t<input class=\"opt-in-submit button infusion-recaptcha\" id=\"recaptcha_12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" type=\"submit\" value=\" Get it now\" \/><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clearme\"><\/div>\n<p><b>OKAY! Are you ready to start building your own routine and want to know how it&#8217;s done? <\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Great! Let\u2019s do this<\/b><strong>: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#step_1_build_your_own_workout\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step #1: Determine your \u201cGet in Shape\u201d situation!<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#step_2_build_your_own_workout\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step #2: &#8220;What exercises should I do to lose weight (or build muscle)?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#step_3_build_your_own_workout\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step #3: &#8220;How many sets and reps should I do per exercise?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#step_4_build_your_own_workout\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step #4: &#8220;How long should I wait between sets?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#step_5_build_your_own_workout\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step #5: &#8220;How much weight should I lift?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#step_6_build_your_own_workout\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step #6: &#8220;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long should I exercise for?<\/span><\/a>&#8220;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#step_7_build_your_own_workout\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step #7: How to create supersets and circuit training workouts.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#step_8_build_your_own_workout\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step #8: &#8220;How many days per week should I train?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#step_9_build_your_own_workout\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step #9: How to record your workouts and progress.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#build_a_workout_for_me\">&#8220;Steve, just BUILD a workout for me!&#8221;<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span id=\"more-4501\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"step_1_build_your_own_workout\"><\/a>Step #1: Determine Your \u201cGet in Shape\u201d Situation<\/h2>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Build Your Own Workout Routine\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K1xYlsfSoqY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p><b>As Coach Staci lays out in the video above, we need to answer a few key questions when designing a workout:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">QUESTION 1<\/span>: What are your goals?<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you trying to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/why-cant-i-lose-weight-heres-the-truth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lose weight<\/a>? Awesome. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you trying to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-skinny-guys-guide-to-building-muscle-and-bulking-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bulk up<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-beginners-guide-to-building-muscle-and-strength\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">build muscle<\/a>? Great.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you preparing for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/couch-to-5k-crucial-things-to-know-before-you-start-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">your first 5k<\/a>? Swell.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever your goals are, it\u2019s good to write them down and be aware of what you\u2019re trying to accomplish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These goals will shape HOW you build your workout.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>An effective way to create goals is by using the SMART method,<\/strong> which stands for <\/span><b><i>s<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pecific, <\/span><b><i>m<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">easurable, <\/span><b><i>a<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ttainable, <\/span><b><i>r<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">elevant, and <\/span><b><i>t<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">imely.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-1\" id=\"refmark-1\"><sup>[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><b><i>S<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>pecific<\/strong> &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Your goals must specifically state what is to be accomplished<\/span>.\u00a0 They must be clear and easy to understand.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><b><i>M<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>easurable<\/strong> &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Your goals must be measurable so you can tell if you\u2019re making progress or not<\/span>.\u00a0 For example, I want to gain 5 pounds of muscle.\u00a0 To track your progress you will need body composition equipment that is designed to assess your fat and muscle mass.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><b><i>A<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>ttainable<\/strong> &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Your goals should be realistically attainable<\/span>.\u00a0 Remember, a realistic amount of muscle mass to gain per week is about 0.5 pounds.\u00a0 For example, gaining 5 pounds of muscle should realistically take about 10 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><b><i>R<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>elevant<\/strong> &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Your goals must be relevant to your particular interests, needs, likes\/dislikes, and abilities<\/span>.\u00a0 Another thing to remember is that your goals need to be generated by you and you alone!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><b><i>T<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>imely<\/strong> &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Your goals must have a timeline for completion<\/span>.\u00a0 If your goal is to gain 5 pounds of muscle then a reasonable end-point should be at minimum 10 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A SMART goal is a good goal.<\/p>\n<p><strong><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">QUESTION 2<\/span>: H<\/b>ow much time can you devote to exercise?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you can do an hour a day, that&#8217;s fantastic.<\/p>\n<p>But maybe you have a wife or husband, three kids, a dog, two jobs, and no robot butler&#8230;then <em>maybe<\/em> you only have thirty minutes, twice a week.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3580858\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/sponge-bob-is-busy.gif\" alt=\"If you&#039;re swamped like Sponge Bob here, a 30 minute workout here and there is a great way to start.\" width=\"391\" height=\"281\" \/><\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s fine too!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Also, break up your workout!<\/strong> According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), if you accumulate three 10-minute bouts of exercise throughout the day to total 30-minutes of exercise, then that is as effective as someone who does one 30-minute bout of exercise.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-2\" id=\"refmark-2\"><sup>[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now, no matter how much time you have, developing the most efficient workout is crucial.<\/p>\n<p><em>Why spend two hours in a gym when you can get just as much accomplished in 30 minutes, right?<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s the good news:<\/strong>\u00a0<a title=\"Weight training prize fight\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/2010\/02\/01\/what-burns-more-calories-cardio-intervals-or-weight-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">weight training is the fat-burning prize fight victor<\/a>, and efficiency rules all.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-3643294\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/barbell-press.gif\" alt=\"As Staci shows here, keep your arms vertical (as much as you can).\" width=\"482\" height=\"271\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So whether you are building muscle or looking to lose weight, a strength training workout will get you the results you\u2019re after (when combined with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/healthy-eating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">right eating strategy<\/a>!)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>While we&#8217;re talking about time, let me quickly mention something important:<\/p>\n<p>Proper expectations!<\/p>\n<p><strong>As we cover &#8220;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/just-how-fast-can-i-get-the-body-i-want\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How Fast Can I Get the Body I Want<\/a><\/em>,&#8221; make sure you are thinking about your journey with a realistic timeline:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Want to get in shape? Think in days and years, not weeks and months\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ieY_8ZL0v78?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>As we mention in that guide, here are some realistic timeframes for weight loss or muscle gain:<\/strong><a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-3\" id=\"refmark-3\"><sup>[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are trying to lose weight it is recommended that you seek a calorie deficit by consuming 250-500 fewer calories per day below your typical calorie intake.\u00a0 <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">This will result in a realistic weight loss goal of 1-2 pounds per week <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li>If you\u2019re trying to gain muscle mass, then it is recommended that you seek a calorie surplus by consuming 250-500 additional calories above your typical calorie intake. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">This will result in a realistic gain in lean muscle mass of about 0.5 pounds per week<\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">QUESTION 3<\/span>: WHERE do you want to work out?<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>At a gym?<\/strong> Here&#8217;s a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-the-gym-everything-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beginner&#8217;s Gym Guide with 6 levels of workouts<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>At home?<\/strong> Have you tried our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/2009\/12\/09\/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beginner Bodyweight Workout<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li><strong>In a park?<\/strong> Try our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/playground-workout\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">park workout<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Where you work out will largely determine if you are going to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/work-out-at-home-at-the-office-or-anywhere-you-want-how-to-get-started-with-bodyweight-training-today\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">train with your body&#8217;s weight<\/a>, or if you can start doing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-the-gym-everything-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">gym strength training<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re paying attention here, you may notice I&#8217;m setting you up to work out no matter what your current situation is.<\/p>\n<p><em>Why?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Because according to ACSM, the #1 reason people don&#8217;t exercise is:<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-4\" id=\"refmark-4\"><sup>[4]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>They don&#8217;t have time for it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3913668\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/late.gif\" alt=\"The White Rabbit being late\" width=\"417\" height=\"253\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>All of us, all the time.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>BUT, with the information I&#8217;m hitting you with, technically you should have no excuse for not exercising unless (you\u2019re injured or sick).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After all, your workout:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Can be accumulated with just 10-minute bouts of exercise throughout the day.<\/li>\n<li>Doesn&#8217;t need to be done with a gym membership.<\/li>\n<li>Can be done with exercises in the comfort of your own home or while outside (weather permitting).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Cool?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Cool.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">RECAP OF QUESTIONS<\/span> &#8211; At this point, we should have:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Determined your &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/get-in-shape\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">get in shape<\/a>&#8221; goals.<\/li>\n<li>Decided how much time you have to train.<\/li>\n<li>Picked WHERE you want to work out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We can now start to <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">build your workout routine, your daily workout plan, and your monthly workout schedule!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s do it.<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"step_2_build_your_own_workout\"><\/a>Step #2: What Exercises Should I do to lose weight (or build muscle?)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3580851 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/staci-form-check-713x475-1.jpg\" alt=\"A coach checking your form like so can help when designing and building a workout. \" width=\"713\" height=\"475\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/staci-form-check-713x475-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/staci-form-check-300x200-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/staci-form-check-768x512-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/staci-form-check-600x400-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/staci-form-check.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>I like to follow the motto of &#8220;Keep it simple, stupid.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>(Note: I am not calling you stupid. You&#8217;re reading Nerd Fitness, which means you&#8217;re intelligent, good-looking, really funny, and most of all, modest.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-determine-your-perfect-workout-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">best workout is the one that you actually stick with<\/a>, and people make things FAR too complicated and try to target a bazillion different individual muscles with six types of exercises for each body part.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s exhausting, unnecessary, inefficient, and intimidating.<\/p>\n<p><strong>So keep it simple!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re going to pick 5 exercises, and get really strong with those movements.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3581841\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/muppet-strength-training.gif\" alt=\"This Muppet knows strength training will help him gain muscle and lose weight.\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>This is the ENTIRE philosophy behind our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Strength 101 series<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Unless you&#8217;ve been strength training for years and know what you&#8217;re doing, we recommend that you pick a full-body routine that you can do 2-3 times a week.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You want a workout routine that has at least one exercise for your:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Quads (front of your legs).<\/li>\n<li>Butt and hamstrings (back of your legs).<\/li>\n<li>Chest, shoulders, and triceps: (&#8220;push&#8221; muscles).<\/li>\n<li>Back, biceps, and grip ( &#8220;pull&#8221; muscles).<\/li>\n<li>Core (abdominals and lower back).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>I have a trick for you: by targeting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-12-best-compound-exercises-for-beginners-how-to-train-efficiently\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">compound movements<\/a> that recruit multiple muscles at the same time, you can build a full-body routine that uses only four or five exercises.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>How&#8217;s THAT for efficiency!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>A compound exercise would be the yin to the yang of the isolation exercise.<\/p>\n<p>Think a push-up (compound):<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3674909\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/steve-push-up.gif\" alt=\"Here Rebel Leader Steve shows you the classic push-up.\" width=\"482\" height=\"271\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Compared to bicep curls through a machine (isolation):<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3913687\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/bicep-curl.gif\" alt=\"A man doing biceps curls on a machine\" width=\"284\" height=\"454\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Compound exercises have been found to result in improvements in aerobic endurance, muscular fitness, and flexibility, since you&#8217;re recruiting all sorts of muscle groups at once.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-5\" id=\"refmark-5\"><sup>[5]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Where an isolation exercise would be a single-joint movement involving only one single muscle group, like the biceps, in our example above.<\/p>\n<p>I will say, there is a time and place for implementing compound and isolation exercises.<\/p>\n<p><em>We cover all this in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-12-best-compound-exercises-for-beginners-how-to-train-efficiently\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The 12 Best Compound Exercises For Beginners (How To Train Efficiently)<\/a> guide.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here is a quick breakdown of <b>which compound exercises will work for each of those <\/b>muscle groups:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Quads<\/strong> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-how-to-squat-properly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">squats<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-do-a-lunge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lunges<\/a>, one-legged squats, box jumps.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Butt and Hamstrings<\/strong> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-the-deadlift\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">deadlifts<\/a>, hip raises, straight leg deadlifts, good mornings, step-ups.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Push (chest, shoulders, and triceps) <\/strong>&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-the-overhead-press\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">overhead press<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/what-do-you-bench-strength-training-101-the-bench-press\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bench press<\/a>, incline dumbbell press, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/5-common-push-up-mistakes-to-avoid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">push-ups<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-do-a-perfect-dip-no-tobacco-required\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">dips<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pull (back, biceps, and forearms)<\/strong> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/do-a-pull-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">chin-ups, pull-ups<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/inverted-row-are-you-missing-out-on-this-great-exercise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bodyweight rows<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-bent-over-row-the-ultimate-guide-for-dumbbell-and-barbell-row-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> bent-over rows<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-for-the-best-core-exercises-how-to-strengthen-your-core\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Core<\/a> (abs and lower back)<\/strong> &#8211; planks, side planks, exercise ball crunches, mountain climbers, jumping knee tucks, hanging leg raises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Not sure how to do any of these movements? <\/em><em>Want more examples? <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Check out:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-42-best-bodyweight-exercises-the-ultimate-guide-for-working-out-anywhere\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The 42 Best Bodyweight Exercises You Can Do Anywhere!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Pick one exercise from each category above for your workout, and you&#8217;ll work almost every single muscle in your body.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3594864\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/side-plank.gif\" alt=\"Doing a plank on your side is a great way to progressive this bodyweight movement.\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Get stronger with each movement each week, and you have yourself a recipe for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-building-any-physique-or-skill-set\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a great physique<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><b>Here is an example of a great, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-the-gym-everything-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">effective simple gym workout<\/a>:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-how-to-squat-properly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Barbell squats<\/a>: 5 sets of 5 reps.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-the-deadlift\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Barbell Deadlifts<\/a>: 3 sets of 3 reps.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/proper-push-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Push-ups<\/a>\u00a0(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-do-a-perfect-dip-no-tobacco-required\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">or dips<\/a>): 3 sets of 15 reps.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/do-a-pull-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pull-ups<\/a> (or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/inverted-row-are-you-missing-out-on-this-great-exercise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Inverted Rows<\/a>): 3 sets of 8 reps.<\/li>\n<li>Planks: 3 sets, 1 minute hold each.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You don&#8217;t need to make things more complicated than this!<\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Not that we humans have a tendency to overcomplicate things to the point of paralysis and inaction\u2026)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3580859\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confused.gif\" alt=\"Don&#039;t make building your own workout overly complicated like this man is doing.\" width=\"379\" height=\"272\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ahem. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re not sure how to do any of the movements above, click on their links for thorough write-ups and video demonstrations. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Pick one exercise from EACH category above,<\/strong> specifically ones that scare you the least, and that will be your workout every other day for the next week.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The great news:<\/strong> the above workout routine will work whether you\u2019re looking to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-skinny-guys-guide-to-building-muscle-and-bulking-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bulk up<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-beginners-guide-to-building-muscle-and-strength\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">build muscle<\/a> OR if you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-lose-weight-without-dieting-5-rules-of-weight-loss\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">trying to lose weight<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You simply <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-many-calories-should-i-eat-every-day-a-look-at-total-daily-energy-expenditure-tdee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">adjust your calories consumed<\/a> &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">which is 80% of the equation<\/span> &#8211; and that\u2019s how you\u2019ll start to change your physique.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-5\" id=\"refmark-5\"><sup>[5]<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Oh, and you&#8217;ll also need to think about macronutrient breakdowns (carbs, fats, proteins), like in our <strong>Nerd Fitness Healthy Plate<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3606758\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/healthy-eating-plate.png\" alt=\"If your meal plate looks like this, you&#039;re doing great!\" width=\"720\" height=\"567\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/healthy-eating-plate.png 720w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/healthy-eating-plate-300x236-1.png 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/healthy-eating-plate-713x561-1.png 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/healthy-eating-plate-600x473-1.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>But you can check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/healthy-eating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guide to Healthy Eating<\/a> for more info on that.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">STEVE\u2019S BIG PIECE OF ADVICE<\/span>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">GET STRONG<\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get really good at these basic movements and focus on getting stronger each week (I\u2019ll cover how below). <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you get really strong at squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, and push-ups, you will build an incredible physique to be proud of.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Plus, building strength with these exercises will also help in other areas such as improving your performance in sports, decreasing your risk of chronic diseases (e.g., CVD) and premature mortality (an early death).<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-6\" id=\"refmark-6\"><sup>[6]<\/sup><\/a><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>*mic drop*<\/p>\n<p>**picks up mic**<\/p>\n<p><strong>Then, once you get confident in those movements, feel free to\u00a0add some variety.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Why?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you do the same exact routine, three days a week, for months and months, you might get bored,\u00a0and\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">start slacking&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3912667\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/phone-gym.gif\" alt=\"Someone on their phone at gym\" width=\"473\" height=\"266\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or you might <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/what-to-do-when-you-hit-a-plateau\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">hit a workout plateau<\/a>.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-7\" id=\"refmark-7\"><sup>[7]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>So <b>if you find yourself getting bored,\u00a0<\/b>feel free to stick with the above &#8216;formula,&#8217; but change the ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/what-do-you-bench-strength-training-101-the-bench-press\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bench presses<\/a> on Monday, go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-the-overhead-press\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">overhead presses<\/a> on Wednesday and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-do-a-perfect-dip-no-tobacco-required\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">dips<\/a> on Friday.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-how-to-squat-properly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Squats<\/a> on Monday? Try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-do-a-lunge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lunges<\/a> on Wednesday and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-do-the-front-squat-a-definitive-guide\/;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">front squats<\/a> on Friday.<\/li>\n<li>Do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-the-deadlift\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">deadlifts<\/a> every Wednesday, but change up the sets and reps you pick!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you hit a plateau or find yourself getting bored, pick a different exercise to improve so\u00a0<\/span>you&#8217;ll stay challenged, and you&#8217;ll actually DO the workout!<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then, focus on getting stronger!<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-8\" id=\"refmark-8\"><sup>[8]<\/sup><\/a> (<em>You are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-track-progress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">writing down your workouts<\/a>, right?<\/em>).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I know i<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t\u2019s really easy to overcomplicate this process as there&#8217;s an infinite number of exercises, sets, reps, and programs to choose from.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>And yes, we have a solution for people that JUST want to be told what exactly to do: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our uber-popular 1-on-1 coaching program<\/a> pairs you with your own Nerd Fitness Coach who will get to know you, your goals, and your lifestyle, and develop a workout plan that&#8217;s specific to not only your body, but also to your schedule and life:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"\/coaching-overview-page\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button red\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tOur Coaching will change your life. Learn how!\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"step_3_build_your_own_workout\"><\/a>Step #3: How Many Sets And Reps Should I Do?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3492971 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Batman-713x400-1.jpg\" alt=\"How did Batman get so ripped? How do you build a workout to get those abs?\" width=\"713\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Batman-713x400-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Batman-300x168-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Batman-768x431-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Batman-600x337-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Batman.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>SIMPLE ANSWER: Not including a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/warm-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">warm-up set<\/a> or two, I recommend:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>3 to 5 sets per exercise.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>8 to 10 reps per set when starting out.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-9\" id=\"refmark-9\"><sup>[9]<\/sup><\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>LONGER ANSWER &#8211; watch this video:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How Many Reps and Sets Should I Do?\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/U6c8HgnJoNM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>As we cover in our \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-correct-number-of-reps-per-set-in-the-gym\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How Many Sets and Reps?<\/a>\u201d guide, a\u00a0&#8220;set&#8221; is a series of repetitions that you complete without stopping.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For example, if you drop down and do 10 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/proper-push-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">push-ups<\/a> right now, you just did 1 SET\u00a0of 10 REPETITIONS (or REPS)\u00a0of push-ups.<\/p>\n<p>Got it? Cool.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Some general rules on repetitions <\/strong><b>you can follow as you\u2019re starting to build your workout plan:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>If you&#8217;re looking to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/lose-weight-and-build-muscle-or-do-one-then-the-other\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">burn fat while building muscle<\/a>, keep your number of repetitions per set in the 8-15 range per set.<\/li>\n<li>If you can do more than 15 reps without much of a challenge, consider increasing the weight or the difficulty of the movement. This is true for things like lunges, bodyweight squats, push-ups, pull-ups, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>There are some other generally accepted &#8216;rules&#8217; &#8211; as pointed out in <em>Starting Strength<\/em> &#8211; about how to determine how many reps you should target per set, based on your goals:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reps in the <\/strong><strong>1-5 range<\/strong> build super dense muscle and strength (called <em>myofibrillar hypertrophy).<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Reps in the 6-12 range<\/strong> build a somewhat equal amount of muscular strength and muscular size (this is called <em>sarcoplasmic hypertrophy).<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Reps in the 12+ range<\/strong> build muscular endurance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A 2015 study <a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-10\" id=\"refmark-10\"><sup>[10]<\/sup><\/a> called into question the best rep strategy for building muscle or size:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">&#8220;It appears that\u00a0high-intensity resistance (sets of 3-5 reps) training stimulates greater improvements in some measures of strength and hypertrophy in resistance-trained men during a short-term training period [compared to sets of 8-10 reps].&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>What this means: Do not freak yourself out by worrying if you should do 4 sets or 5 sets of 8 reps or 10 reps.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our advice would be to START with lighter weight and more reps as you learn the movement, and then decide if you want to stay at higher reps and lower weight or vice versa.<\/p>\n<p>You do you, because either way will get you results!<\/p>\n<p>The only thing you need to worry about: get stronger the next time you do that movement.<\/p>\n<p>Either pick up a heavier weight, or do 1 more repetition than last time.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3601391\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/one-more-build-a-workout.gif\" alt=\"Even Marshall knows to go for One More each time you try your workout\" width=\"365\" height=\"281\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>&#8220;JUST GIVE ME THE ANSWER!&#8221;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Keep your TOTAL (all exercises combined) workout number of sets for all exercises in the 15-25 set range, with 8-10 reps per set:<\/p>\n<p><em>5 exercises\u00a0total, each with 4\u00a0&#8220;work sets&#8221; is a good start.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Remember, the most important part is to get\u00a0started\u00a0&#8211; you&#8217;ll learn how your body responds and you can adapt as you go.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What you DON&#8217;T need to do:<\/strong> multiple exercises for each body part with 10 sets.<\/p>\n<p>This will result in significant fatigue during your workout increasing your risk for sustaining an injury. It can also result in overtraining, in which you will experience a decrease in performance and plateauing (will not see muscular improvements).<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-11\" id=\"refmark-11\"><sup>[11]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p>So calm down you eager beaver.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3628796\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/eager-beaver.gif\" alt=\"This beaver is ready to start his at home training.\" width=\"411\" height=\"308\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">A BIG CAVEAT:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/healthy-eating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How you eat<\/a> will determine <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-skinny-guys-guide-to-building-muscle-and-bulking-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">if you get bigger or stronger<\/a>.\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrition is 80-90% of the equation. So pick a range that feels good, and then focus on nutrition.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>And if you don&#8217;t want to figure any of this out and <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">just want to be told exactly how what exercises, sets, and reps to do<\/span>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\">our online coaches<\/a> can take care of that for you.<\/p>\n<p>\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button red\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tOur NF Coaches can build a workout you&#8217;ll actually do! Learn more here.\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"step_4_build_your_own_workout\"><\/a>Step #4: How Long Should\u00a0I Wait Between Sets?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3492994 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stopwatch-713x476-1.jpg\" alt=\"A stopwatch like this can help when timing and building your workout.\" width=\"713\" height=\"476\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stopwatch-713x476-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stopwatch-300x200-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stopwatch-768x512-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stopwatch-600x400-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/stopwatch.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it simple, you &#8220;smart, good looking, funny, modest person&#8221; you.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Below is a basic formula for you to determine how long you should wait between sets, but this can be adjusted based on your level of health.<\/p>\n<p>The goal is to wait the least amount of time you need, but still rest enough that you can perform all reps of the next set safely and properly!<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s why that&#8217;s important:<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-12\" id=\"refmark-12\"><sup>[12]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adequate rest in-between sets will allow your body to regenerate energy, so you can execute the next set of reps with good form and technique, therefore, decreasing your risk of injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>I&#8217;ll provide some <em>guidelines <\/em>for how long to rest based on how heavy you&#8217;re lifting (not rules set in stone!):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>1-3 Reps (lifting heavy for strength\/power):<\/strong> Rest for 3 to 5 minutes\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">between sets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>4-7 Reps (lifting for strength): <\/strong>Rest for 2 to 3 minutes\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">between sets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>8-12 Reps (lifting for size\/strength):<\/strong> Rest for 1 to 2 minutes\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">between sets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>13 Reps+ (lifting for endurance):<\/strong> Rest long enough to recover to allow you to do the next long-ass set!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you need more or less rest than the above recommendations, that&#8217;s fine.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-13\" id=\"refmark-13\"><sup>[13]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Do the best you can, record how long it takes you to rest between sets, and try to rest for shorter periods in the future.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3602733\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/thumbs-up.gif\" alt=\"Keanu is stoked he now has his own bodyweight workout routine!\" width=\"283\" height=\"216\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Your body will adjust as you get stronger and healthier!<\/p>\n<p><strong>If you want more information on how much you should lift, how many reps, and when to scale certain movements or adjust your workout, check out our <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em>Strength 101: Everything You Need to Know<\/em><\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s free when you join the Rebellion with your email in the box below:<\/p>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup-leadin\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup one-column split yellow-cta strength-101 shortcode-form-13 \">\n<div class=\"nf-signup-intro\">\n<div><span style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"pre\">Download our comprehensive guide<\/span> <span class=\"extra\">STRENGTH TRAINING 101!<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-signup-benefit\">\n<ul>\n<li>Everything you need to know about getting strong.<\/li>\n<li>Workout routines for bodyweight AND weight training.<\/li>\n<li>How to find the right gym and train properly in one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-signup-form\"><img class=\"asset-image\" src=\"&gt;\" \/><\/p>\n<form accept-charset=\"UTF-8\" action=\"https:\/\/tv329.infusionsoft.com\/app\/form\/process\/12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" class=\"infusion-form\" method=\"POST\" id=\"inf_form_12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\"><input name=\"inf_form_xid\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" \/><input name=\"inf_form_name\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"Plugin Signup\" \/><input name=\"infusionsoft_version\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"1.68.0.144\" \/><input class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_field_Email\" name=\"inf_field_Email\" type=\"email\" required placeholder=\"Your Email\" \/><input name=\"null\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"null\" \/><input style=\"display:none;\" class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_custom_SiteSignupURL\" name=\"inf_custom_SiteSignupURL\" type=\"text\" value=\"http:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/feed\/\" \/><input style=\"display:none;\" class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_custom_SignupPostID\" name=\"inf_custom_SignupPostID\" type=\"text\" value=\"4501\" \/>\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOriginURL\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOriginLandingPage\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_IPAddress\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"246.61.43.147\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastMedium\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastCampaign\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastSource\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastTerm\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastContent\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOptinFormFilledDate\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"2022-04-20 00:12:20\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_infcustomcoachvariation\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_FacebookBrowserId\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_FacebookClickId\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"infusion-submit\">\t<input class=\"opt-in-submit button infusion-recaptcha\" id=\"recaptcha_12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" type=\"submit\" value=\" Get it now\" \/><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clearme\"><\/div>\n<h2><a name=\"step_5_build_your_own_workout\"><\/a>Step #5: How Much Weight Should I Lift?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3580853 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/steve-corey-deadlift-713x475-1.jpg\" alt=\"When Rebels get together like at Camp, we build workouts that include deadlifts. \" width=\"713\" height=\"475\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/steve-corey-deadlift-713x475-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/steve-corey-deadlift-300x200-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/steve-corey-deadlift.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/steve-corey-deadlift-600x400-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>We have a FULL resource on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-how-much-weight-should-i-be-lifting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">how to determine your starting weight for lifting<\/a>, but I&#8217;ll give you the gist here.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The simple to learn but tough to implement answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;Lift enough so that you can get through the set, but not too much that you have NO fuel left in the tank at the end.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><em>How do you determine how much that is?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Trial and error.<\/p>\n<p>ALWAYS err on the side of &#8220;too light&#8221; versus &#8220;too heavy&#8221; when starting out.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s better to say &#8220;I bet I could have done more!&#8221; instead of &#8220;that was too much, and now I need to go to the hospital!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3580833\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/homer-in-hospital.gif\" alt=\"Don&#039;t act like Homer and do a workout that you can&#039;t handle.\" width=\"434\" height=\"327\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Plus, when you start working out, you&#8217;re actually programming your neuromuscular systems to do the movement correctly.<\/strong><a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-14\" id=\"refmark-14\"><sup>[14]<\/sup><\/a> You can&#8217;t rush this, so it&#8217;s best not to start off too heavy.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-15\" id=\"refmark-15\"><sup>[15]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>When is it time to move up in resistance?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The NSCA has a 2-for-2 rule that recommends:<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-16\" id=\"refmark-16\"><sup>[16]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>If a person can do two reps (or more) over their set goal, then they should increase the load.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><strong><em>How much should you increase weight by?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">For less trained people (i.e., beginners)<\/span>, it is recommended that for upper body exercises you increase the load by 2 \u2013 5 pounds and by 5 \u2013 10 pounds for lower body exercises. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">For more trained people (i.e., advanced)<\/span>, it is recommended that for upper body exercises you increase the load by 5 \u2013 10 pounds or more and by 10 \u2013 15 pounds or more for lower body exercises<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>I will say, if you&#8217;re doing exercises with just your body weight,<\/strong> you need to make each exercise more difficult as you get in shape &#8211; once you get past 20 reps for a particular exercise and you&#8217;re not gassed, it&#8217;s time to mix things up.<\/p>\n<p><strong>That&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/what-is-progressive-overload\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the key to &#8220;Progressive Overload,&#8221;<\/a> as Coach Jim explains in this video:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What is Progressive Overload? (+ How to Do It)\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4tEKCMxXg1I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can you do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/proper-push-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">20 push-ups<\/a> no problem?<\/strong> It&#8217;s time to start mixing them up to be more challenging.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/my-7-favorite-push-up-variations-and-the-nf-push-up-challenge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pick a variation from this article<\/a>\u00a0and make yourself work for it!<\/p>\n<p><strong>20 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-how-to-squat-properly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bodyweight squats<\/a> too easy?<\/strong> Hold some weights high above your head as you do the next set. Eventually, you can scale up to do exercises like the pistol squat:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3594768\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/pistol-squat.gif\" alt=\"The one legged &quot;pistol&quot; squat is a great advanced bodyweight movement.\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Looking for more bodyweight exercises?<\/strong> Check out the list of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-42-best-bodyweight-exercises-the-ultimate-guide-for-working-out-anywhere\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">favorite 42 bodyweight exercises you can do anywhere<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>And if you&#8217;re not sure how to scale bodyweight movements, or you are interested in mixing things up and want guidance&#8230;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"\/coaching-overview-page\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button yellow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tOur Online Coaching will change your life! Learn how here:\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"step_6_build_your_own_workout\"><\/a>Step #6: How Long Should I Exercise For?\u00a0How Long Should My Workout Be?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3580854 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Boxing-Man-713x400-1.jpg\" alt=\"What workout does this LEGO do? Does he have a coach build him his workout routine?\" width=\"713\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Boxing-Man-713x400-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Boxing-Man-300x168-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Boxing-Man-768x431-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Boxing-Man-600x337-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Boxing-Man.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Easy answer: 45 minutes to an hour. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Longer answer:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re doing 15-25 sets of total exercise <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(3-5 sets for your 5 exercises)<\/span>, you should be able to get everything done within that 45-minute block.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-17\" id=\"refmark-17\"><sup>[17]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now, factor in a five or ten-minute <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/warm-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">warm-up<\/a>, and then some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-stretch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">stretching afterward<\/a>, and the workout can go a little bit longer.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-18\" id=\"refmark-18\"><sup>[18]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you can go for over an hour and you&#8217;re not completely worn out, try increasing the intensity.<\/p>\n<p><em>Less time, more intensity, better results.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>What if you don&#8217;t have 45 minutes? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Do the best you can!<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-19\" id=\"refmark-19\"><sup>[19]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>What&#8217;s that? You want to build some cardio into your weight training.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s where this next section comes in.<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"step_7_build_your_own_workout\"><\/a>Step #7: How to Create Supersets and Circuit Training Workouts<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3493002 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/kettlebells-713x580-1.jpg\" alt=\"Kettlebells can be used in circuits to help build a perfect workout.\" width=\"713\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/kettlebells-713x580-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/kettlebells-300x244-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/kettlebells-768x625-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/kettlebells-600x488-1.jpg 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/kettlebells.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><b><i>Strength training in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/circuit-training-build-some-muscles-burn-some-fat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">circuit training workout<\/a>\u00a0<\/i><\/b>is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/what-burns-more-calories-cardio-intervals-or-weight-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">most efficient way to burn fat<\/a> when exercising:<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-20\" id=\"refmark-20\"><sup>[20]<\/sup><\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You&#8217;re getting a cardiovascular workout by consistently moving from exercise to exercise.<\/li>\n<li>You&#8217;re exercising different muscles back to back, giving each muscle group a chance to recover, but in a condensed amount of time. Efficiency for the win!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>If you&#8217;re familiar with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-crossfit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CrossFit<\/a>, many of the workouts are built on circuit principles.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This is also the most effective way to make you involuntarily swear at inanimate objects\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">because<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you\u2019re so tired and beat up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>We\u2019re going to cover TWO things here: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supersets (or alternating sets).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Workout circuits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">#1) SUPERSETS<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><strong>The NSCA defines it as:<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-21\" id=\"refmark-21\"><sup>[21]<\/sup><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>A superset is performing two exercises in a row on two different muscle groups.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you perform a set of squats, wait one minute, then do a set of dumbbell presses, wait one minute, then do your next set of squats, and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because you\u2019re exercising two completely different muscle groups, you can exercise one while the other is \u201cresting.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re now getting the same workout done in half the time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3588327\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/captain-marvel.gif\" alt=\"Captain Marvel is pumped she has a plan to build muscle.\" width=\"468\" height=\"193\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, because you\u2019re resting less, your body has to work harder so your heart is getting a workout too. Jackpot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Let\u2019s see how this would play out in a sample workout:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Lunges<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> alternating with <\/span><b>incline dumbbell presses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, four sets each, one minute between sets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wait a few minutes to catch your breath and get set for your next two exercises.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Straight leg deadlifts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> alternating with <\/span><b>wide-grip pull-ups<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, four sets each, one minute between sets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 Sets of <strong>planks<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-stretch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">stretch<\/a>, and get the hell out of there!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">#2) CIRCUIT TRAINING<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><strong>A circuit requires you to do one set for EVERY exercise, one after the other, without stopping.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After you&#8217;ve done one set of each exercise in succession, you then repeat the process two, or three, or four more times.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-22\" id=\"refmark-22\"><sup>[22]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>I&#8217;ve written about multiple\u00a0bodyweight circuits here on the site:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Beginner Body Weight Circuit\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/2009\/12\/09\/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beginner Body Weight Circuit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Advanced Body Weight Circuit\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/2009\/12\/17\/advanced-body-weight-workout-warning-this-will-kick-your-ass\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Advanced Body Weight Circuit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-20-minute-beginner-kettlebell-workout-build-muscle-and-burn-fat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beginner Kettlebell Circuit<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>You can download our <em>Beginner Bodyweight Worksheet<\/em> too to help you get started:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup-leadin\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup one-column split yellow-cta bodyweight shortcode-form-15 \">\n<div class=\"nf-signup-intro\">\n<div><span style=\"font-weight:700\">Grab Your Beginner Bodyweight Routine Worksheet. No Gym Required!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-signup-benefit\">\n<ul>\n<li>Complete this workout at home, no equipment required<\/li>\n<li>Avoid the common mistakes everybody makes when doing bodyweight exercises<\/li>\n<li>Learn how to finally get your first pull-up<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-signup-form\"><img class=\"asset-image\" src=\"&gt;\" \/><\/p>\n<form accept-charset=\"UTF-8\" action=\"https:\/\/tv329.infusionsoft.com\/app\/form\/process\/12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" class=\"infusion-form\" method=\"POST\" id=\"inf_form_12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\"><input name=\"inf_form_xid\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" \/><input name=\"inf_form_name\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"Plugin Signup\" \/><input name=\"infusionsoft_version\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"1.68.0.144\" \/><input class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_field_Email\" name=\"inf_field_Email\" type=\"email\" required placeholder=\"Your Email\" \/><input name=\"null\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"null\" \/><input style=\"display:none;\" class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_custom_SiteSignupURL\" name=\"inf_custom_SiteSignupURL\" type=\"text\" value=\"http:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/feed\/\" \/><input style=\"display:none;\" class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_custom_SignupPostID\" name=\"inf_custom_SignupPostID\" type=\"text\" value=\"4501\" \/>\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOriginURL\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOriginLandingPage\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_IPAddress\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"246.61.43.147\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastMedium\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastCampaign\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastSource\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastTerm\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastContent\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOptinFormFilledDate\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"2022-04-20 00:12:20\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_infcustomcoachvariation\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_FacebookBrowserId\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_FacebookClickId\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"infusion-submit\">\t<input class=\"opt-in-submit button infusion-recaptcha\" id=\"recaptcha_12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" type=\"submit\" value=\" Level Up!\" \/><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clearme\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>We have also 15 FREE circuits you can follow in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/circuit-training-build-some-muscles-burn-some-fat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">big Circuit Training roundup guide<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>And lastly, we love building circuit training routines for our Coaching Clients &#8211; and we&#8217;d love to build them for you too:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"\/coaching-overview-page\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button red\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tLet our coaches build a program for you!\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"step_8_build_your_own_workout\"><\/a>Step #8: How Many Days per Week Should I Train?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3580855\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/camp-nerd-fitness-deadlift-713x476-1.jpg\" alt=\"Deadlifts make a great addition when you build your own workout. \" width=\"713\" height=\"476\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/camp-nerd-fitness-deadlift-713x476-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/camp-nerd-fitness-deadlift-300x200-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/camp-nerd-fitness-deadlift-768x512-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/camp-nerd-fitness-deadlift-600x400-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>We get this question quite a bit, usually from overeager beavers who decide they are going to go from \u201csitting on the couch watching <em>The Office<\/em> on repeat\u201d to \u201cexercising 7 days per week.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I would advise something different. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I mean you can still watch <em>The Office&#8230;<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3581791\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/The-Office-Loves-Building-Workouts.gif\" alt=\"You can build muscle while watching the office! \" width=\"362\" height=\"205\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8230;but you don\u2019t need to be training 7 days a week!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We don&#8217;t want you burning out quickly and falling back to square one, a concern we mention in our guide &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-often-should-i-work-out-the-ultimate-guide-for-building-an-exercise-routine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How Often Should I Work Out?<\/a>&#8220;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-build-healthy-habits-that-stick\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">focus on building proper habits<\/a> and set a goal of 2-3 full-body workouts per week.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-23\" id=\"refmark-23\"><sup>[23]<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>For starters, <\/b><b>your muscles don\u2019t get built in the gym. <\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>They actually get <\/b><b><i>broken down<\/i><\/b><b> in the gym, and then get rebuilt stronger while you\u2019re resting&#8230;watching <em>The Office<\/em>.<\/b><a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-24\" id=\"refmark-24\"><sup>[24]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By giving your muscles 48 hours to recover between workouts, especially when training heavy, you\u2019ll stay injury-free and get stronger.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-25\" id=\"refmark-25\"><sup>[25]<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <strong>Monday-Wednesday-Friday<\/strong> workout routine works well to ensure enough time to recover, especially when you are just getting started.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to do <strong>Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday<\/strong>, or <strong>Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday<\/strong>, great. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personally, I stuck with a Monday-Wednesday-Friday full day routine for nearly 10 years and just focused on getting stronger with each movement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These days, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/5-lessons-learned-from-a-skinny-nerd-deadlifting-420-pounds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">I train on Monday-Wednesday-Thursday-Saturday<\/a> (my workouts on Wednesday and Thursday don\u2019t work the same muscles!)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>\u201cBut Steve, what if I WANT to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/what-should-i-do-on-my-off-days\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">exercise on my off days<\/a>?\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> That\u2019s fine! <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just pick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/25-ways-to-exercise-without-realizing-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u201cexercise\u201d that\u2019s fun for you<\/a>, that won\u2019t exhaust your muscles.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-26\" id=\"refmark-26\"><sup>[26]<\/sup><\/a>[[26]]However, don\u2019t forget that recovery is key to preventing injuries and allowing the body to rebuild itself after the stress of exercise. If you are looking to exercise on your off days we suggest that you cross-train. Cross-training involves engaging in a training routine or exercises that are different from what you normally would do. For example, if you always run for cardio, we would suggest that you change things up and go on the elliptical or bike. This allows you to stay active on your off days while also allowing the muscles that are always stressed from running to rest and recuperate. (Haff G, Triplett NT. (2016). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics).[[25]]\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also, here&#8217;s a lifehack: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Program your workouts INTO your Google calendar (or Outlook). <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re much more likely to do a workout that has been planned for in your work week!<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatively, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">hire a coach<\/a> to program your workouts for you, so every day you know exactly what you need to do!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4519 \" title=\"Coaching Workouts\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/plan.png\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery1\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"step_9_build_your_own_workout\"><\/a>Step #9: Keep Track Of Everything!<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3856613\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/journal.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of someone journaling their fitness progress.\" width=\"843\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/journal.jpg 2494w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/journal-300x114-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/journal-713x272-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/journal-768x293-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/journal-1536x585-1.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/journal-2048x780-1.jpg 2048w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/journal-610x232-1.jpg 610w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/journal-600x229-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 843px) 100vw, 843px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><b>Last but not least, k<\/b>eep a workout journal!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As they say, that which gets measured gets improved.<\/p>\n<p>You should be getting stronger, faster, or more fit with each day of exercise.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around these parts, we say \u201c<em>Level up your life, every single day.<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-track-progress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So track and measure your progress!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Things to record for your workout:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Can lift more weight?<\/li>\n<li>Can you lift the same amount of weight more times than before?<\/li>\n<li>Can finish the same routine faster than before?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you see your numbers improving (more weight, faster times, etc.), then you\u2019re getting stronger and gaining more lean muscle mass!<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-27\" id=\"refmark-27\"><sup>[27]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Woot.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Personally, I track all of my workouts in Evernote.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I note the sets, reps, weight, and date.<\/p>\n<p>I have over 1,000 workouts in my folder, which makes it super simple to see what I did last month, or even last year, and to make sure I&#8217;m improving!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3418098 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Steve-Evernote-688x600-1.png\" alt=\"Evernote can be great to track the workout you build.\" width=\"688\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Steve-Evernote-688x600-1.png 688w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Steve-Evernote-300x262-1.png 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Steve-Evernote-768x670-1.png 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Steve-Evernote-600x523-1.png 600w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Steve-Evernote.png 917w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You can use an actual notebook, a bullet journal, an Excel spreadsheet, a workout app, or a Word document.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">overcomplicate<\/span> it:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Write down the date and your sets, reps, and weight for each exercise.<\/li>\n<li>Compare yourself to your previous workout with those exercises.<\/li>\n<li>Focus on getting stronger (more reps, heavier weight, an additional set, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Repeat.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Do this with a workout you&#8217;ve built, and you WILL get results. I promise.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-28\" id=\"refmark-28\"><sup>[28]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-set-a-new-personal-record-every-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Here&#8217;s how to properly track your progress<\/a>\u00a0and set a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-set-a-new-personal-record-every-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">new personal best<\/a> every time you train.<\/p>\n<h2><a name=\"build_a_workout_for_me\"><\/a>Steve, Just Build a Workout For Me!<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2253069 size-large\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Row-713x447-1.jpg\" alt=\"Inverted rows, like shown here, can make a great addition to a workout. If you build your own workout, make sure to include a pull exercise like this. \" width=\"713\" height=\"447\" srcset=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Row-713x447-1.jpg 713w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Row-300x188-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Row-768x481-1.jpg 768w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Row-160x100-1.jpg 160w, http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Row.jpg 1967w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you&#8217;re looking for sample workouts to build off of, take one of the 6 Workouts in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-the-gym-everything-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&#8220;Gym 101&#8221; guide<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Or if you want a plan to follow, pick one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/circuit-training-build-some-muscles-burn-some-fat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">15 Circuit Training Routines<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p><strong>If you want to build from scratch, great! <\/strong><strong>Let&#8217;s break it down into easy chunks with this recap:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>ALWAYS <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/warm-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">warm up<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; 5-10 minutes on a bike, rowing machine, jumping jacks, run up and down your stairs, etc. Get the blood flowing and your muscles warm.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-29\" id=\"refmark-29\"><sup>[29]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Pick one exercise for each big muscle group<\/strong> &#8211; quads, butt and hamstrings, push, pull, and core.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-30\" id=\"refmark-30\"><sup>[30]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Do 3-5 sets for each exercise.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Do 5-10 reps per set for each exercise.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Determine how many reps and how long you&#8217;ll wait between sets for each exercise.\u00a0<\/strong>Keep it simple. 60 seconds.<a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-31\" id=\"refmark-31\"><sup>[31]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Increase your efficiency and work your heart by doing supersets or circuits. <\/strong>This results in a higher EPOC meaning greater caloric expenditure and weight loss!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep your workout to under an hour.<\/strong><a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-32\" id=\"refmark-32\"><sup>[32]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-stretch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stretch AFTER your workout<\/a>.<\/strong><a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-33\" id=\"refmark-33\"><sup>[33]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Write everything down!<\/strong><a class=\"fn-ref-mark\" href=\"#footnote-34\" id=\"refmark-34\"><sup>[34]<\/sup><\/a><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Give yourself permission to mess up<\/strong>, learn a little, and keep improving as you train more regularly!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>More often than not, when I email people back and tell them how to build their own workout, they generally respond with: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>&#8220;Steve, can&#8217;t you just TELL me what to do? I&#8217;m afraid of building a crappy workout.&#8221; <\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Why we built THREE options for people like that<\/span>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1) If you are somebody that wants to know they are following a program that is tailor-made for their life and situation and goals, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Online Coaching Program<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll work with our certified NF instructors who will get to know you better than you know yourself and program your workouts and nutrition for you.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\t<a target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/coaching-overview-page\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<button class=\"cta-button yellow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tWant a workout program you\u2019ll ACTUALLY do? Great! Learn more here:\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong><b>2) Exercising at home and need a plan to follow? Check out Nerd Fitness Journey!<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our fun habit-building app helps you exercise more frequently, eat healthier, and level up your life (literally). Plus, NF Journey will build a workout for you!<\/p>\n<p>Try your free trial right here:<\/p>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup-leadin\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup\" style=\"background: none; border: none;\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/click.nerdfitness.com\/8BxQ\/a0e2674e\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"desktop-show mobile-hide\" style=\"margin-left:auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/NF_Journey_BodyweightWorkout_Desktop_V1A.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img class=\"desktop-hide mobile-show\" src=\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/NF_Journey_BodyweightWorkout_Mobile_v1A.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><strong>3) Join the Rebellion (our free community) and I&#8217;ll send you free guides, workouts, and worksheets that you can read at your leisure. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We need good people like you!<\/p>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup-leadin\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-in-post-signup one-column split yellow-cta strength-101 shortcode-form-13 \">\n<div class=\"nf-signup-intro\">\n<div><span style=\"font-weight:700\"><span class=\"pre\">Download our comprehensive guide<\/span> <span class=\"extra\">STRENGTH TRAINING 101!<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-signup-benefit\">\n<ul>\n<li>Everything you need to know about getting strong.<\/li>\n<li>Workout routines for bodyweight AND weight training.<\/li>\n<li>How to find the right gym and train properly in one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"nf-signup-form\"><img class=\"asset-image\" src=\"&gt;\" \/><\/p>\n<form accept-charset=\"UTF-8\" action=\"https:\/\/tv329.infusionsoft.com\/app\/form\/process\/12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" class=\"infusion-form\" method=\"POST\" id=\"inf_form_12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\"><input name=\"inf_form_xid\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" \/><input name=\"inf_form_name\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"Plugin Signup\" \/><input name=\"infusionsoft_version\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"1.68.0.144\" \/><input class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_field_Email\" name=\"inf_field_Email\" type=\"email\" required placeholder=\"Your Email\" \/><input name=\"null\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"null\" \/><input style=\"display:none;\" class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_custom_SiteSignupURL\" name=\"inf_custom_SiteSignupURL\" type=\"text\" value=\"http:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/feed\/\" \/><input style=\"display:none;\" class=\"infusion-field-input-container\" id=\"inf_custom_SignupPostID\" name=\"inf_custom_SignupPostID\" type=\"text\" value=\"4501\" \/>\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOriginURL\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOriginLandingPage\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_IPAddress\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"246.61.43.147\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastMedium\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastCampaign\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastSource\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastTerm\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CookieLastContent\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_CoachingOptinFormFilledDate\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"2022-04-20 00:12:20\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_infcustomcoachvariation\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_FacebookBrowserId\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><br \/>\n\t<input name=\"inf_custom_FacebookClickId\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"infusion-submit\">\t<input class=\"opt-in-submit button infusion-recaptcha\" id=\"recaptcha_12c97c001a652ac813119a536e4fb4a4\" type=\"submit\" value=\" Get it now\" \/><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clearme\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>I certainly encourage you to try and build your own workout routine.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It can really help you develop a sense of excitement and pride when you start to get in shape based on your workout!<\/p>\n<p>If you have more questions, or have a workout program you&#8217;re really proud of, share it in the comments below!<\/p>\n<p><strong>-Steve<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>PS:\u00a0Check out the rest of our beginner content.<\/strong> I promise, it kicks ass \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Strength Training 101: How to Get Strong<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-lose-weight-without-dieting-5-rules-of-weight-loss\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to Lose Weight Without Dieting: 5 Rules.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/strength-training-101-where-do-i-start\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beginner Strength Workouts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/the-42-best-bodyweight-exercises-the-ultimate-guide-for-working-out-anywhere\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">42 Bodyweight Exercises you can do anywhere<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-hire-a-good-personal-trainer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to Find a Good Trainer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-the-gym-everything-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Beginner Gym Workouts (6 Levels)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>###<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Photo Sources: <a title=\"MDwombat\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/familygoodmanevansmore\/3443283368\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">mdwombat<\/a>, joshtasman:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/146303603@N04\/32737124483\">Question Finger 6<\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>black.zack00:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/98327290@N02\/42691214231\">Yeaaaah&#8230;. Surprise ladies!!<\/a>, Sterling College:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/7973252@N08\/38059525282\">Sterling Gym<\/a>, ako_law:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/114240786@N08\/44984423264\">Stopwatch<\/a>, black.zack00:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/98327290@N02\/29328367717\">Boxing a gentleman&#8217;s sport<\/a>, Photographing Travis:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/94599716@N06\/15228914397\">Kettlebells<\/a>. ahockley:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/70059755@N00\/31663736917\">DDC Stuff Sheath and EEEK Field Notes<\/a>, Ivan Kruk \u00a9 123RF.com<\/p>\n<div id=\"footnote-list\" style=\"display:none;\"><span id=\"fn-heading\">Footnotes<\/span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;( returns to text)<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li id=\"footnote-1\" class=\"fn-text\">American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM&#8217;s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins, 2000<a href=\"#refmark-1\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-2\" class=\"fn-text\">Read, &#8220;Effect of short moderate intensity exercise bouts on cardiovascular function and maximal oxygen consumption in sedentary older adults.&#8221; Souce, <a href=\"https:\/\/bmjopensem.bmj.com\/content\/6\/1\/e000672\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BMJ Journals<\/a><a href=\"#refmark-2\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-3\" class=\"fn-text\">(Spano MA, Kruskall LJ, Thomas DT. (2018). Nutrition for Sport, Exercise, and Health).<a href=\"#refmark-3\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-4\" class=\"fn-text\">American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM&#8217;s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins, 2000<a href=\"#refmark-4\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-5\" class=\"fn-text\">Haff G, Triplett NT. (2016). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics<a href=\"#refmark-5\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-5\" class=\"fn-text\">Remember, it all comes down to a caloric deficit or surplus. if you are trying to lose weight it is recommended that you seek a calorie deficit by consuming 250-500 less calories per day below your typical calorie intake. This will result in a realistic weight loss goal of 1-2 pounds per week. If \u00a0you\u2019re trying to gain muscle mass, then it is recommended that you seek a calorie surplus by consuming 250-500 additional calories above your typical calorie intake. This will result in a realistic gain in lean muscle mass of about 0.5 pounds per week. Source: Spano MA, Kruskall LJ, Thomas DT. (2018). Nutrition for Sport, Exercise, and Health<a href=\"#refmark-5\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-6\" class=\"fn-text\">American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM&#8217;s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins, 2000)<a href=\"#refmark-6\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-7\" class=\"fn-text\">This goes back to the progressive overload principle. Remember, in order to achieve your training goals or to see improvements, your training must gradually and constantly increase Source: Haff G, Triplett NT. (2016). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.<a href=\"#refmark-7\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-8\" class=\"fn-text\">If you do not progress your workout, then you will reach a plateau because your body has met the demands of your exercise or stress that you have placed upon it. If you progress your workout (e.g., do more reps, lift heavier weights, do different exercises, etc.), then those microscopic tears (that don\u2019t hurt) will happen and your muscles will go through hypertrophy and grow bigger and stronger. Source: Powers SK, Howley ET. (2011). Exercise physiology: Theory and application to fitness and performance. New York: McGraw-Hill Humanities\/Social Sciences\/Languages).<a href=\"#refmark-8\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-9\" class=\"fn-text\">You&#8217;ll see a few different recommendations around this. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recommends 6-12 reps for 3-6 sets for muscle hypertrophy and more than 12 reps for 2-3 sets for muscular endurance (Source: Haff G, Triplett NT. (2016). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics). While the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) simply recommends 8-12 reps for 2-4 sets for healthy individuals (Read, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19204579\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults<\/a>. Source, PubMed.<a href=\"#refmark-9\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-10\" class=\"fn-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4562558\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The effect of training volume and intensity on improvements in muscular strength and size in resistance-trained men<\/a>.<a href=\"#refmark-10\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-11\" class=\"fn-text\">Read, &#8220;Musculoskeletal adaptations and injuries due to overtraining.&#8221; Soucre, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1623894\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<a href=\"#refmark-11\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-12\" class=\"fn-text\">Excessive muscle fatigue, often resulting by engaging in higher intensity exercise or engaging in exercise with short rest intervals has been found to increase one\u2019s risk for muscle strains due to fatigue eliciting poor exercise technique. For more, read &#8220;Muscle strain injury: diagnosis and treatment.&#8221; Source, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10434080\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<a href=\"#refmark-12\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-13\" class=\"fn-text\">The NSCA also has guidelines in-place to help you determine your rest intervals in-between sets: 2 to 5 minutes for strength and power, 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes for hypertrophy, and 30 seconds or less for muscular endurance (Haff G, Triplett NT. (2016). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics).<br \/>\nPlus, ACSM has a basic recommendation of 2 to 3 minutes (American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM&#8217;s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins, 2000). So we don&#8217;t have to get overly dogmatic here.<a href=\"#refmark-13\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-14\" class=\"fn-text\">More efficient communication between your neuromuscular systems results in proper motor unit recruitment. A motor unit is a single motor neuron and the muscle fibers it innervates. We have small motor units, meaning that a single motor neuron innervates relatively few muscle fibers, and these smaller motor units are good for precise and detailed movements (e.g., moving your fingers). On the other hand, we have large motor units, meaning that a single motor neuron innervates hundreds of muscle fibers, and these larger motor units are good for generating a lot of force (e.g., getting larger muscle groups like the quads to generate a lot of force to help in running) (Powers SK, Howley ET. (2011). Exercise physiology: Theory and application to fitness and performance. New York: McGraw-Hill Humanities\/Social Sciences\/Languages; Heckman CJ, Enoka RM. Motor unit. Compr Physiol. 2012 Oct;2(4):2629-82. doi: 10.1002\/cphy.c100087. PMID: 23720261).<a href=\"#refmark-14\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-15\" class=\"fn-text\">When you first start strength training, your motor units don\u2019t fire as quickly and smaller motor units that don\u2019t generate a lot of force are recruited. As you continue working out and become more trained, your motor units fire more rapidly and your brain recruits larger motor units that can generate more force allowing you to lift heavier weights. This is why the progressive overload principle is important! As your neuromuscular system communicates more efficiently, you will see improvements in your exercise technique and muscle adaptations (e.g., hypertrophy) taking place.<a href=\"#refmark-15\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-16\" class=\"fn-text\">Haff G, Triplett NT. (2016). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.<a href=\"#refmark-16\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-17\" class=\"fn-text\">According to ACSM and the CDC, all healthy adults aged 18-65 years should participate in moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30-minutes on five days per week, or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20-minutes on three days per week. Additionally, every adult should perform activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance for a minimum of two days per week. Performing exercise at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity will result in greater caloric expenditure and weight loss. (American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM&#8217;s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins, 2000).<a href=\"#refmark-17\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-18\" class=\"fn-text\">The NSCA recommends a 5-10 minute warm-up to prepare the body for the exercise session, and the exercise session should be followed by a 5-10 minute cool-down to bring the body back down to rest (Haff G, Triplett NT. (2016). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics).<a href=\"#refmark-18\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-19\" class=\"fn-text\">The ACSM and other researchers have found that if you ACCUMULATE 10-minute bouts of exercise throughout the day that can be as effective as one who does one 30-minute bout of exercise. Read, &#8220;The Effects of Continuous Compared to Accumulated Exercise on Health: A Meta-Analytic Review.&#8221; Source, PubMed.<a href=\"#refmark-19\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-20\" class=\"fn-text\">Circuit training results in a higher excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) resulting in great caloric expenditure when compared to traditional strength training with longer rest intervals in-between sets and exercises. Read, &#8220;Circuit weight training and its effects on excess postexercise oxygen consumption.&#8221; Souce, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10589865\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<a href=\"#refmark-20\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-21\" class=\"fn-text\">Haff G, Triplett NT. (2016). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics<a href=\"#refmark-21\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-22\" class=\"fn-text\">Oh, and even if you aren&#8217;t doing a ciruict, don\u2019t use your cell phone for other purposes besides using it to listen to music! Other cell phone functions such as texting and talking have been found to lower the intensity of exercise resulting in lower caloric expenditure, and disrupt balance leading to a greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Read, &#8220;The Impact of Cell Phone Use on the Intensity and Liking of a Bout of Treadmill Exercise.&#8221; Source, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25970553\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PubMed<\/a>. Read, &#8220;The impact of different cell phone functions and their effects on postural stability.&#8221; Source, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S2211266916300251?via%3Dihub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ScienceDirect<\/a>.<a href=\"#refmark-22\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-23\" class=\"fn-text\">The NSCA recommends 2-3 training sessions for novice or beginners, 3 sessions if using total body training or 4 sessions if using a split routine for intermediates, and 4-6 sessions for advanced lifters (Haff G, Triplett NT. (2016). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics).<a href=\"#refmark-23\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-24\" class=\"fn-text\">Strength training results in microscopic muscle tears in the muscles. This causes a cascade of events eventually leading to muscle repair and growth (i.e., hypertrophy). Our muscles adapt to the overload stress of strength training immediately after each bout of exercise, but it takes roughly eight weeks to see physical improvements (Powers SK, Howley ET. (2011). Exercise physiology: Theory and application to fitness and performance. New York: McGraw-Hill Humanities\/Social Sciences\/Languages).<a href=\"#refmark-24\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-25\" class=\"fn-text\">Adequate recovery is essential to prevent overtraining. When we become overtrained, our injury risk increases and we reach a plateau and no longer see any improvements from our training. For more, read &#8220;The effects of resistance training, overtraining, and early specialization on youth athlete injury and development.&#8221; Source, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28597618\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<a href=\"#refmark-25\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-26\" class=\"fn-text\"><a href=\"#refmark-26\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-27\" class=\"fn-text\">This applies to all healthcare professionals who are working with clients, athletes, military personnel, special populations (e.g., cardiac rehab). These healthcare professionals are tracking everything so they can see if you are improving or not. And if you\u2019re not improving, that is okay. At least you know and then you can start making changes to your exercise routine: change your exercises from bodyweight to free weights; change the number of sets and rep; shorten or lengthen your rest intervals, etc.<a href=\"#refmark-27\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-28\" class=\"fn-text\">And if you\u2019re not improving, that is okay. At least you know and then you can start making changes to your exercise routine: change your exercises from body weight to free weights; change the number of sets and rep; shorten or lengthen your rest intervals, etc.<a href=\"#refmark-28\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-29\" class=\"fn-text\">A traditional warm-up usually consists of two components. The first is a general warm-up of 5-10 minutes of low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as jogging or stationary cycling. The second is a specific warm-up that involves less intense movements similar to the sport or activity about to be performed. This second part involves performing dynamic stretches such as high knees, butt-kicks, skipping, shuffling, carioca, etc. The purpose of this type of warm-up is to allow the body to gradually adjust to the demands of exercise by allowing for increases in heart rate, blood flow, muscle temperature, and core body temperature (Haff G, Triplett NT. (2016). Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Fourth edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics).<a href=\"#refmark-29\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-30\" class=\"fn-text\">These big muscle groups allow for everyday activities to be performed with more ease and for you to maintain a more independent lifestyle for a longer period of time. For more, read &#8220;American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Source, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19204579\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<a href=\"#refmark-30\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-31\" class=\"fn-text\">But remember, the sets, reps, and rest intervals will change as your training goals change.<a href=\"#refmark-31\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-32\" class=\"fn-text\">The longer your workout the more fatigue you will experience, therefore, increasing your risk of injury. Keep your cell phone in the locker room if you\u2019re having a difficult time keeping your workout to less than an hour!<a href=\"#refmark-32\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-33\" class=\"fn-text\">The same rules apply as for the warm-up. After you are done with your exercise session perform 5-10 minutes of low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. The second part of the cool-down will consist of static stretching instead of dynamic stretching. Static stretching involves slowly moving a muscle to the end of its range of motion and then holding that position for a period of time (10-30 seconds or 30-60 seconds for its greatest benefits). You should stretch the muscle enough to feel a slight discomfort, but don\u2019t go too far where you start to feel pain. For more, read &#8220;American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise.&#8221; Source, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21694556\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<a href=\"#refmark-33\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"footnote-34\" class=\"fn-text\">Remember, the only way you\u2019re going to know if you\u2019re improving and if your program works is if you\u2019re recording the data. If it\u2019s not working, at least you can catch it early and make the necessary adjustments.<a href=\"#refmark-34\"><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\/blog\/how-to-build-your-own-workout-routine\/\">How To Build Your Own Workout Routine: Plans, Schedules, and Exercises<\/a> first appeared on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdfitness.com\">Nerd Fitness<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I get multiple emails and messages per day asking: \u201cSteve, what should I do for a workout?\u201d Well, partner, today is your lucky day. I\u2019m gonna help build you a custom workout program, step-by-step!\u00a0 After all, a workout should be developed around a person\u2019s age, goals, nutritional strategy, free time, etc. Not only that, but [\u2026]<br \/>\nThe post How To Build Your Own Workout Routine: Plans, Schedules, and Exercises first appeared on Nerd Fitness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2658,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":""},"categories":[20,1,21,22,19],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2656"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2656"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2726,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2656\/revisions\/2726"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}