Working out and maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle is integral to our overall health and wellbeing. However, not everyone has the same amount of time to dedicate to their respective workouts. Splitting up workout days can be an effective solution to maximize your time and get the most out of each session. Besides, it also helps to avoid injuries by allowing your body to rest and recover before the next session.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about how to split up workout days to maximize your workouts.
What is Splitting Up Workout Days?
Splitting up workout days refers to a training program that divides training days into different body parts or muscle groups. By doing so, it allows you to focus on specific muscle groups and helps to prevent overworking them. It also helps improve overall efficiency and is useful in preventing injuries.
Benefits of Splitting Up Workout Days
- Allows you to focus on specific muscle groups and increase overall efficiency
- Prevents overworking muscle groups
- Prevents injuries due to over-exhaustion
- Helps in tracking progress and measuring improvement with specific exercises
- Reduces time spent in the gym
How to Split Up Workout Days
There are several ways to split up workout days depending on your fitness goals and program preferences. Below are five common ways to split up workout days:
1. Full-Body Workouts
Full-body workouts are one way to split up workout days, where you train all the major muscle groups in one session. It is suitable for people who have erratic schedules and cannot commit to a fixed time for gym sessions. This type of workout is also ideal for beginners who want to develop a solid foundation of strength and endurance.
2. Push-Pull Split Workouts
The push-pull split workout is a program that splits a workout session into two main categories: pushing exercises and pulling exercises. Push exercises target muscles groups that push weights away from the body, such as the chest, shoulders, and triceps, while pull exercises target muscle groups that pull weights closer to the body, such as the back and biceps.
3. Upper-Lower Body Split Workouts
Upper-lower body split workouts are structured so that you alternate upper body and lower body exercises on different days. This method effectively allows you to space out workouts for different body parts, allowing for required rest and recovery. This workout style is great for building strength and muscle mass.
4. Muscle Group Isolation Split Workouts
Muscle group isolation split workouts are programs designed to isolate and target specific muscle groups, for example, chest or biceps. This type of program is ideal for people who want to develop one specific muscle group or for those with muscle imbalances.
5. Circuit Training Workouts
Circuit training workouts combine short, high-intensity exercises with brief relaxation periods. It is a versatile workout that can be customized according to goals and fitness level. Circuit training can alternate between strength, cardio, and bodyweight exercises within minutes, making it effective for overall fitness and endurance.
How Often Should You Train Each Muscle Group?
Experts suggest that a minimum of 48 hours rest should be given to the muscle group worked on in the last training session. This training session can be done twice a week for beginners or three times a week for intermediate to advanced gym-goers.
Tips for Maximizing Your Workouts
- Stay hydrated throughout the workout
- Focus on your breathing during each exercise
- Avoid improper form as it may lead to injuries
- Maintain a balanced diet to supplement your workouts
- Gradually increase weight as you develop strength and endurance
In Conclusion
Training split up workout days is an effective and efficient way to maximize your workouts. It helps in focusing on specific muscle groups, preventing injuries due to overworking, and reducing overall workout time. By following the tips mentioned above, you can achieve your fitness goals in a safe and efficient manner.
FAQs
1. How Many Days A Week Should You Split Up Workout Days?
Beginners can start with two days per week, while intermediate and advanced gym-goers can do it three times a week.
2. Is Splitting Up Workouts Suitable for Everyone?
Yes, everyone can benefit from splitting up workouts, especially those with tight schedules, beginners, and those with specific goals.
3. Can I Avail the Benefits of Splitting Up Workouts Without Joining a Gym?
Yes, you can perform bodyweight exercises and workout at home if you are unable to join a gym.
References:
1. The Benefits of Splitting Up Your Workouts. (2021). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/split-workouts
2. Wright, B., & Burton, D. (2015). Physiology and training split routines. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, 19(2), 9-14. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/Abstract/2015/03000/Physiology_and_Training_Split_Routines.3.aspx