Split routine VS full body workout
Glance at a bodybuilder’s workout regime and they will have exercises specifically focusing on certain muscles on different days. However, is a training split worthwhile, or is the full body workout a more beneficial use of your time at the gym?
Split routine: Training different muscle groups or movements on different days. For instance; Chest and back one day, legs on another day and shoulders and arms on the other day – a training split.
Full Body Workout: When exercising using a full body workout all the muscles will be stimulated in one workout.
Split Routine
You can easily target weaker muscles. You can spend more time on increasing strength and conditioning of muscles that are underdeveloped.
Better control over development. A state of mind – many people say having a split routine gives your clearer direction for your workout goals.
Less risk of a burnout. With a full body workout if you’re feeling more tired than usual, it could have an adverse effect on the whole workout – making improvements more challenging and hindering your gains. A split routines mean you can rest muscle groups and avoid burning out.
Full Body Workout
Allows for a balanced body. A split routine can be complex, throw in a busy lifestyle and you may lose motivation. Full body workouts mean your body will be experiencing a mixture of beneficial exercise regimes – from strength work, cardio and mobility.
Wave goodbye to the calories! Burning calories in less time is great if you have a fat loss workout goal. A full body workout would be useful, as the compound exercises of the muscles working together require more energy.
Become more flexible. A total body workout goes hand-in-hand with improving movement and motion as your body will be working as one unit. Over time, and adding in pre and post workout stretches will create flexible body which will most likely improve your technique resulting in heavier lifting.
Video Credit: Matty Fusaro