Guidelines for designing a basic strength-training routine


STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE GOAL

Strength, hypertrophy, endurance, fitness/general toning, combination of strength and endurance, sport-specific, rehabilitation.

STEP 2: DETERMINE NUMBER OF DAYS PER WEEK TO WORK OUT

Three days per week is most common (e.g., Monday/Wednesday/Friday). Next most popular is a four-day per week split routine, Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday. Whichever number of days you choose, exercise muscle groups in the following order:

M/W/F----M/TH----T/F

1. Exercise larger muscle groups first
2. Alternate push with pull exercises
3. Alternate upper body with lower body exercises

STEP 3: SELECT EXERCISES

One to two per body area. Average routine is made up of approximately 12 exercises. Select at least one area for each of the following body areas:

1. Abdomen
2. Legs (upper and calves)
3. Chest
4. Back (upper and lower)
5. Shoulders
6. Arms (biceps and triceps)

STEP 4: SELECT THE PROPER NUMBER OF SETS, REPETITIONS, AND LEVEL OF INTENSITY BASED UPON THE SPECIFIC GOAL

GOAL NUMBER OF SETS REPETITION RANGE % IRM
INTENSITY
(Rest Between Sets)
Hypertrophy 3-6 8-12 70-80 30-90 seconds
Strength 3-5+ 1-7 70-100 2 minutes
Muscular endurance 2-3 8-15 <70 20-30 seconds
Combination strength and endurance 3-6 6-12 70-80 1-2 minutes
Fitness (general Muscle toning) 2-3 12-20 <70 20-30 seconds

STEP 5: FOLLOW THESE GENERAL RULES

1. Keep accurate records of each workout.
2. Change routine approximately every four weeks.
3. Modify routines as needed to meet individual needs; no two individuals React the same to a given routine.
4. There is no secret routine! The secret to success is hard work!

Wileys home page