Splitting Your Workout Routine

I mentioned full body routines in a previous post. This is one of the best ways for beginner trainees to get started.

But an intermediate/advanced trainee will probably need to “split” his routine. A split routine refers to training muscle groups on different days. A three day split, for example, means you are training three days a week—you are “splitting” the training into three separate workouts.

There are two major reasons for doing a split routine:
1. Increased intensity in your training.
2. Increase recovery time between workouts.

These two factors go together. Let’s say, for example, I do a few hard sets of squats. I may not have much energy left to put into other lifts (like bench press). I also may need more than one-two day’s recovery time before I’m ready to train legs again. I’m better off training bench press during my next session while allowing my legs to rest.

I believe most natural trainees will get the best results from splitting their routine into three or four days a week. I’ll give you some suggestions on designing your routine in future articles.