There are lots of different body types and fitness goals. But there’s one workout split that works well for almost anyone. It’s great because it’s balanced, can be changed to fit different levels, and is time-saving. This plan mixes building strength with being flexible, which is good for both new and experienced athletes.
This article will explain why this workout split is so good. We’ll show you the plan, suggest some exercises, talk about how important squats are, and give you a sample workout to follow.
Why This Split Works For Anyone
- Balanced Approach: This workout split incorporates all major muscle groups for balanced development, ensuring no part of the body is neglected.
- Flexibility: The split can be adjusted for different fitness levels and goals, making it suitable for beginners and advanced athletes.
- Efficiency: It optimizes the time spent in the gym with effective, high-impact workouts, perfect for those with busy schedules.
- Recovery: The design allows adequate rest between sessions for muscle recovery and growth, which is essential for progress and preventing injury.
The Split
- Day 1: Upper Body Push (Chest, Shoulders, Triceps)
- Day 2: Lower Body Pull (Hamstrings, Glutes, Lower Back)
- Day 3: Rest or Active Recovery
- Day 4: Upper Body Pull (Back, Biceps)
- Day 5: Lower Body Push (Quads, Calves)
- Day 6: Full Body Functional Training or Cardio
- Day 7: Rest
Exercise Recommendations
Day 1: Upper Body Push
- Bench Press
- Sets: 4
- Reps: 8-12
- Description: This compound exercise primarily targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Ensure proper form to avoid shoulder injury.
- Overhead Press
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 10-12
- Description: Works the shoulders and triceps. Use a controlled movement and avoid arching your back.
- Dumbbell Flyes
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 12-15
- Description: Isolates the chest muscles. Perform with a slight bend in the elbows and avoid going too deep.
- Tricep Dips
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 8-10
- Description: Targets the triceps, chest, and shoulders. It can be done on parallel bars or a bench.
- Lateral Raises
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 15
- Description: Focuses on the lateral deltoids. Keep the movement slow and controlled.
Day 2: Lower Body Pull
- Deadlifts
- Sets: 4
- Reps: 6-8
- Description: This compound movement targets the entire posterior chain, including hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. Maintain a neutral spine to prevent injury.
- Romanian Deadlifts
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 10-12
- Description: Focuses on the hamstrings and glutes. Keep the bar close to your body and hinge at the hips.
- Hamstring Curls
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 12-15
- Description: Isolates the hamstrings. Perform slowly to maximize muscle engagement.
- Glute Bridges
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 12
- Description: Strengthens the glutes and lower back. Squeeze the glutes at the top of the movement.
- Hyperextensions
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 15
- Description: Targets the lower back and glutes. Perform with a controlled motion.
Day 4: Upper Body Pull
- Pull-Ups
- Sets: 4
- Reps: 8-12
- Description: A compound exercise that targets the back and biceps. Use various grips to target different muscles.
- Bent Over Rows
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 10-12
- Description: Works the entire back and biceps. Maintain a neutral spine and pull the bar to your waist.
- Face Pulls
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 15
- Description: Targets the rear delts and upper back. Use a rope attachment and pull it towards your face.
- Bicep Curls
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 12
- Description: Isolates the biceps. Use a controlled motion to avoid swinging.
- Rear Delt Flyes
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 15
- Description: Focuses on the rear delts. Perform with a slight bend in the elbows.
Day 5: Lower Body Push
- Squats
- Sets: 4
- Reps: 6-10
- Description: This fundamental exercise targets the quads, glutes, and core. Ensure proper form with knees tracking over toes.
- Leg Press
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 10-12
- Description: An alternative to squats that target the quads and glutes. Adjust foot placement to target different muscles.
- Lunges
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 12 reps per leg
- Description: Focuses on the quads and glutes. Maintain an upright torso and step back into the starting position.
- Calf Raises
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 15-20
- Description: Isolates the calves. Perform with a full range of motion.
- Leg Extensions
- Sets: 3
- Reps: 15
- Description: Targets the quads. Use a slow and controlled movement.
Day 6: Full Body Functional Training or Cardio
- Circuit Training
- Sets: 4
- Exercises: Kettlebell swings, burpees, box jumps
- Description: Description: A full-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness and strength.
- HIIT Cardio
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Description: High-intensity interval training that boosts cardiovascular fitness and burns fat.
- Core Work
- Exercises: Planks, Russian twists, leg raises
- Description: Strengthens the core and improves overall stability.
SQUATS ARE THE BEST
- Comprehensive Muscle Engagement: Squats target multiple muscle groups including quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and the core, making them a highly effective exercise for overall strength and muscle development.
- Functional Strength: Squats improve overall functional strength and stability, benefiting daily activities like lifting, bending, and climbing stairs.
- Hormonal Benefits: Squats stimulate the release of growth hormones and testosterone, promoting muscle growth and fat loss.
- Versatility: Squats can be modified (e.g., front squats, goblet squats) to suit different fitness levels and goals, making them accessible to everyone.
- Injury Prevention: By strengthening ligaments and tendons, squats help reduce the risk of injury in both athletic and everyday activities.
Workout Split Outline
Day 1: Upper Body Push
- Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of dynamic stretches and light cardio
- Main Exercises: Bench Press, Overhead Press, Dumbbell Flyes, Tricep Dips, Lateral Raises
- Cool Down: Static stretches focusing on chest, shoulders, and triceps
Day 2: Lower Body Pull
- Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of dynamic stretches and light cardio
- Main Exercises: Deadlifts, Romanian Deadlifts, Hamstring Curls, Glute Bridges, Hyperextensions
- Cool Down: Static stretches focusing on hamstrings, glutes, and lower back
Day 3: Rest or Active Recovery
- Activities: Light yoga, walking, or gentle swimming
- Focus: Recovery and relaxation
Day 4: Upper Body Pull
- Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of dynamic stretches and light cardio
- Main Exercises: Pull-ups, Bent Over Rows, Face Pulls, Bicep Curls, Rear Delt Flyes
- Cool Down: Static stretches focusing on the back and biceps
Day 5: Lower Body Push
- Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of dynamic stretches and light cardio
- Main Exercises: Squats, Leg Press, Lunges, Calf Raises, Leg Extensions
- Cool Down: Static stretches focusing on quads, calves, and glutes
Day 6: Full Body Functional Training or Cardio
- Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of dynamic stretches and light cardio
- Main Workout: Circuit Training, HIIT Cardio, Core Work
- Cool Down: Static stretches focusing on the entire body
Day 7: Rest
- Activities: Complete rest or very light activities
- Focus: Full recovery
Conclusion
This workout plan is also favorable as it has different types of exercise that you can switch around depending on your fitness. It exercises all your muscles and they help in the development of these muscles. For example, on a construction site, you get time to rest to avoid getting a severe injury in case of an accident. Squats are a very important part of this plan as chin-ups are super beneficial for the purpose of making you stronger. This workout is especially suitable for beginners, but those who already have some experience of training and followers will also benefit from it.