Finding a workout plan and sticking to it isn’t always easy.
With COVID-19 restrictions still loosening up, and our gyms still closed, a well-rounded workout plan can really help you stay on track with your fitness goals. Whether you have a comfortable garage gym set up at home or you love your bodyweight exercises, there are a plethora of workouts only a click away on the internet.
But not every workout plan is created equally. It’s important to find something that’ll truly work for you and help get you to your goals (Note: we have a couple great ones available to you on our site).
There are a few things you’ll want to consider before investing in an expensive online coaching plan. Sure, those “Get Ripped in 12 days” and “2 Weeks to a Bikini Ready Body” advertisements may seem inviting, but be warned, they aren’t always the most practical. A good training program takes into account your body type, how much spare time you have, what your goals are, and they’ll probably span out a little longer than a few weeks. Results do take time, after all.
Here are a few things to consider.
What are your goals?
Are you looking to gain strength? Develop visible muscles? Lose some body fat?
If you’re a novice powerlifter, a simple plan like linear style programming that guides you to progressively lift heavier with great form might be your best bet.
If you’re looking to go into a cut, a cardio-based plan that incorporates some beginner strength training may work for you. You might find success in workouts that keep your heart rate going and your rest breaks short while giving you a foundation for potential muscle development.
If you’re looking to get stronger and build muscle, perhaps a solid plan with progressive overload and a mix of hypertrophy (method designed for muscle growth) and strength training (lower reps, heavier weight) exercises will do the trick.
Make sure you’re picking a plan that will get you where you want to go! There’s really no point in picking an ab-focused program when your main goal is to grow your glutes.
What’s your preferred split?
It’s important that you’re choosing a split that works for you. If your goal is chest hypertrophy, don’t pick a plan that has a huge focus on lower body exercises. If there's a certain muscle group you want to focus and improve on, make sure your split requires you to have a rest day beforehand so you optimize that lift. You may also want to have more days in the week focusing on training that particular muscle group.
It’s all up to you, find something you’ll love doing and will get you where you want to go!
Where do you like to work out?
Most people right now don’t have access to a gym or would rather work out in the comfort and safety of their own homes. There are a ton of great programs that are entirely home-based, like some we have on our site. Make sure the plan you’re starting includes most, if not all of the equipment you have in your home gym.
Working out from home can be just as effective with the right amount of space, a mat and maybe a few Iron House products!
How much time do you have per day/per week to work out?
If you have a long commute to and from work and find yourself getting up painfully early and coming home late, a two-hour-a-day workout plan may not be the best option for you. Remember, it’s much more difficult to stick to your health goals if you have to risk your sanity to get to those goals. You don’t have to have excruciatingly long gym sessions to see results.
That being said, if you don’t have a lot of extra time on top of your busy schedule, finding a plan that’s closer to 30-40 minutes a day might be more in tune with your lifestyle. That includes the number of days you’ll spend working out. If it’s not realistic to be busting your butt five days a week lifting weights, find a plan that fits perfectly into your routine.
What do you enjoy doing?
Your workout program doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Take a look at what’s on the market and find something that you’re really going to get excited about.
If you love powerlifting, build a simple home set up and focus on the Big 3; Squat, bench and deadlift. All you really need is a barbell, some weights and a rack or squat stand.
If you’re someone who loves dancing, there are a ton of virtual sessions or in-person fitness classes you can take. If you like yoga, look for a plan that incorporates some zen sessions.
If you absolutely hate cardio, don’t choose a plan that forces you do an hour of cardio every day. We assure you, you won’t stick with it.
And never, ever, feel like you have to commit to a plan and see it through if you absolutely hate it.
Listen to your mind, your body and find a good balance for yourself.
Check out our WOLF power bar to get you started on your journey.