Splitting muscle groups or all-round workouts
Discussion
You can probably debate the merits of each all day long and it probably comes down to lots of variables unique to the individual about which is 'better'.
However, I would say that if you've been doing a full body workout for the time you've been with no results then you're doing something wrong that a split routine won't fix.
Check your diet / what you're actually doing in the gym. A full body routine should still yield pretty good results.
My personal opinion, based on what works for me, is that a full body routine can yield you pretty good results (and certainly enough that most people who just want to bulk up a bit and trim down would be happy with) but at some point for the really big gains you need to move to a split.
YMMV
However, I would say that if you've been doing a full body workout for the time you've been with no results then you're doing something wrong that a split routine won't fix.
Check your diet / what you're actually doing in the gym. A full body routine should still yield pretty good results.
My personal opinion, based on what works for me, is that a full body routine can yield you pretty good results (and certainly enough that most people who just want to bulk up a bit and trim down would be happy with) but at some point for the really big gains you need to move to a split.
YMMV
Turnips said:
I'd like to increase my strength and add some definition.
For example I was doing 5x10 press-ups, 5x20 sit-ups and 5x20 squats three times a week. Mixed in with that was dumbbells, punch bag and rowing machine. Sod all difference in three months.
Were you progressing the amount of moves you were doing? Did you start off with 5x# pressups and build up to ten, or has it just been 5x10 since day one? Without progression you arent going to acheive much. For example I was doing 5x10 press-ups, 5x20 sit-ups and 5x20 squats three times a week. Mixed in with that was dumbbells, punch bag and rowing machine. Sod all difference in three months.
Try doing 5x12, then 5x13 etc (same with the other stuff you do).
Turnips said:
I did increase as I went along, for example with the press ups I started on 5x5 and ended up on 5x10. So yeah, that's an increase over the three months but I plateaued on 10 and couldn't for the life of me do any more.
Try mixing it up bit. Instead of 5x10 press ups do as many as you can in one go with good form, rest 60secs then go to failure again. Keep doing it until you can't move. Each work out aim to do 1-2 more before failing. You may be suprised how many you can do in a row rather than sticking to a set amount each timeI'd say just keep up with what you're doing.
Try making the press-ups a bit varied, ie; feet on a sofa or something, but what you're doing is fine.
Point is, to get the most out of any exercise you're doing, you need to adjust your diet, i'd estimate, getting the body you want requires 70/80% diet 20/30% exercise.
I've been on a 'Paleo Diet' since the 23rd June, and in 19 days, i've noticed a considerable difference, lost 8lbs in weight, but have seen increases in strength and definition, I can visibly see my body shape changing, and have had plenty of comments too.
As a note.
I was doing 3 gym sessions, 2 cardio.
I am still doing 3 gym sessions (full body) and 2 cardio.
Seriously, the diet has made all the difference. I will admit to using a protein shake though, but purely as I struggle to get enough calories throughout the day otherwise.
See a decent personal trainer for a consultation? That's what I did, didn't have sessions, just a consultation, told him what I wanted to achieve, he told me what was possible (with effort) and i've stuck to it as best as I can possibly do without detriment to my social life!
Try making the press-ups a bit varied, ie; feet on a sofa or something, but what you're doing is fine.
Point is, to get the most out of any exercise you're doing, you need to adjust your diet, i'd estimate, getting the body you want requires 70/80% diet 20/30% exercise.
I've been on a 'Paleo Diet' since the 23rd June, and in 19 days, i've noticed a considerable difference, lost 8lbs in weight, but have seen increases in strength and definition, I can visibly see my body shape changing, and have had plenty of comments too.
As a note.
I was doing 3 gym sessions, 2 cardio.
I am still doing 3 gym sessions (full body) and 2 cardio.
Seriously, the diet has made all the difference. I will admit to using a protein shake though, but purely as I struggle to get enough calories throughout the day otherwise.
See a decent personal trainer for a consultation? That's what I did, didn't have sessions, just a consultation, told him what I wanted to achieve, he told me what was possible (with effort) and i've stuck to it as best as I can possibly do without detriment to my social life!
Turnips said:
I really struggle with food if I'm honest, I'd prefer to just have protein shakes than actually eat proper food. Normally with work I don't have time to prepare anything, maybe just one meal a day I can actually make an effort with, otherwise I'll go without or have a banana.
The only thing i'd say about protein shakes, is that i'm worried my body will be getting used to digesting a liquid based protein, rather than solids, no idea on the science of it, but it can't be ideal.Turnips said:
I really struggle with food if I'm honest, I'd prefer to just have protein shakes than actually eat proper food. Normally with work I don't have time to prepare anything, maybe just one meal a day I can actually make an effort with, otherwise I'll go without or have a banana.
There's your problem then. If you arent going to eat right you may as well give up now!Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff