7 Day Workout
Here's an example of a workout cycle that I follow. This is obviously attuned for my physical ability so don't do exactly what I do. Although if you're trying to build your muscles for strength as well as cardio, this would be a good example of a schedule you may want to follow. Change the schedule as you see fit, based on your fitness and needs.
Before starting any weightlifting or exercise program, be sure to consult your physician, and be sure you know the proper safety measures, including having a spotter and knowing the right way to use your exercise equipment.
1. Choose a goal
What do you want to achieve? Do you want to bulk up, slim down, or get more defined? Try to make your goal as specific as possible, and set a timeframe.
2. Keep the right mental attitude
Once you’ve chosen a goal, keep focused on it. Post it on your wall to help
you keep your goal in mind. Try to find someone to work out with (your training
partner) to help keep you focused and accountable.
3. Know your limits
Start light. Remember, even Arnold Schwarzenegger had to start somewhere!
Lifting heavy weights with fewer repetitions (“reps”) builds muscle size and
mass, whereas lifting lighter weights with more reps tones muscles.
4. Keep increasing the weight
Although you’ll have to start off with lighter weights, don’t get stuck in a
routine where you keep lifting the same amount. Gradually increase the
amount you lift. As a rough guide, try working towards adding 10 pounds per
month to your bench presses.
5. Don’t work the same muscle group twice in a row
Muscle groups include your upper body (shoulders & back), mid body
(biceps, triceps & chest), and lower body (abs, thighs, hamstrings &
calves). Varying your workout ensures you won’t overwork one particular
area.
6. Don’t forget to work your legs!
Many beginners are so focused on having large arms and abs that they neglect
other parts of their body. Who wants a huge upper body with tiny little chicken
legs? That just looks weird!
7. Don’t overdo it
Don’t lift every day. You need at least 2 days of rest each week to allow
your muscles to heal. Beginners should try lifting every other day. Also, make
sure to get enough sleep, because without adequate rest you won’t build
muscle.
8. Stretch & flex
Stretching both before you lift and afterwards helps avoid aching muscle pain
the next day. Stretching and flexing your muscles during your workout between
lifts keeps blood flowing in your muscles and helps prevent injury.
9. Keep proper posture
If you’re doing lots of lifting, but using poor technique, you’re wasting
your time. Ask your training partner to critique your technique, or work out in
front of a mirror.
10. Practice proper nutrition
Remember the GIGO principle: Garbage in, garbage out! Drinking a whey protein
shake right after working out helps your body build muscle (without enough
protein you can’t build muscle mass) but nutritional supplements won’t replace
eating right and doing the hard work of doing the lifting itself.
Before starting any weightlifting or exercise program, be sure to consult your physician, and be sure you know the proper safety measures, including having a spotter and knowing the right way to use your exercise equipment.
1. Choose a goal
What do you want to achieve? Do you want to bulk up, slim down, or get more defined? Try to make your goal as specific as possible, and set a timeframe.
2. Keep the right mental attitude
Once you’ve chosen a goal, keep focused on it. Post it on your wall to help
you keep your goal in mind. Try to find someone to work out with (your training
partner) to help keep you focused and accountable.
3. Know your limits
Start light. Remember, even Arnold Schwarzenegger had to start somewhere!
Lifting heavy weights with fewer repetitions (“reps”) builds muscle size and
mass, whereas lifting lighter weights with more reps tones muscles.
4. Keep increasing the weight
Although you’ll have to start off with lighter weights, don’t get stuck in a
routine where you keep lifting the same amount. Gradually increase the
amount you lift. As a rough guide, try working towards adding 10 pounds per
month to your bench presses.
5. Don’t work the same muscle group twice in a row
Muscle groups include your upper body (shoulders & back), mid body
(biceps, triceps & chest), and lower body (abs, thighs, hamstrings &
calves). Varying your workout ensures you won’t overwork one particular
area.
6. Don’t forget to work your legs!
Many beginners are so focused on having large arms and abs that they neglect
other parts of their body. Who wants a huge upper body with tiny little chicken
legs? That just looks weird!
7. Don’t overdo it
Don’t lift every day. You need at least 2 days of rest each week to allow
your muscles to heal. Beginners should try lifting every other day. Also, make
sure to get enough sleep, because without adequate rest you won’t build
muscle.
8. Stretch & flex
Stretching both before you lift and afterwards helps avoid aching muscle pain
the next day. Stretching and flexing your muscles during your workout between
lifts keeps blood flowing in your muscles and helps prevent injury.
9. Keep proper posture
If you’re doing lots of lifting, but using poor technique, you’re wasting
your time. Ask your training partner to critique your technique, or work out in
front of a mirror.
10. Practice proper nutrition
Remember the GIGO principle: Garbage in, garbage out! Drinking a whey protein
shake right after working out helps your body build muscle (without enough
protein you can’t build muscle mass) but nutritional supplements won’t replace
eating right and doing the hard work of doing the lifting itself.
seven_day_cycle_weight_training.pdf | |
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