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How to build your own workout routine

Building a customised workout routine allows you to create a plan that aligns with your fitness goals, schedule, and personal preferences. With the right structure, you can maximize your progress and enjoy a routine designed for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started on creating an effective workout routine.

Step 1: set clear fitness goals

Before choosing exercises, identify your main fitness goals. Whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, increase flexibility, or improve endurance, having a specific goal guides the type and intensity of your workouts. For example, if you aim to build muscle, strength training should form the core of your routine. For weight loss or endurance, a mix of cardio and resistance training is ideal.

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Build muscle

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Lose weight

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Increase flexibility

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Improve endurance

Step 2: determine your workout frequency

Decide how many days per week you can commit to exercise. Beginners might start with three full-body workouts weekly, while those with more experience can opt for a split routine focusing on different muscle groups each day. The key is to ensure you allow time for recovery to avoid burnout.

Rest days are essential for muscle recovery, especially after intense sessions, so make sure to schedule them.

Step 3: choose key exercises for your routine

A balanced workout routine should include a mix of compound and isolation exercises. Compound exercises, which work multiple muscles at once, build a strong foundation and improve overall strength. Isolation exercises allow you to target specific muscles for balanced development.

By combining compound and isolation exercises, you can create a well-rounded plan that addresses all muscle groups.

Visit our exercises page for advice on exercise form and safety.

Compound exercises

Incorporate the following compound exercises to build strength and work large muscle groups effectively:

  • Squats

    Work the legs and core

  • Deadlifts

    Engage the back, glutes, and hamstrings

  • Bench press

    Focuses on chest, shoulders, and triceps

  • Pull-ups/rows

    Strengthen the back and biceps

Isolation exercises

Add isolation exercises to focus on individual muscles:

  • Bicep curls

    To target arms

  • Leg curls

    To target hamstrings

  • Tricep extensions

    To target triceps

Step 4: establish sets, reps, and rest periods

Your sets and reps should match your goals:

Fitness Goal

Sets

Reps

Rest

Strength

3-5

4-6

2-3 minutes

Muscle Growth

3-4

8-12

1-2 minutes

Endurance

2-3

15-20

30-60 seconds

For example, if you’re working toward strength, perform fewer reps with heavier weights. For endurance, opt for lighter weights with more reps. Be sure to include adequate rest between sets to allow your muscles to recover.

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Step 5: track your progress

Tracking progress is key to staying motivated and reaching your goals. Recording details like weights, reps, and sets helps you see improvement over time. Tracking also enables you to gradually increase the weight or intensity (a concept known as progressive overload) to continue challenging your muscles and making gains.

You can track your workouts in a notebook, app, or spreadsheet. Reviewing your progress can highlight strengths and areas for improvement, helping you adjust your routine as needed.

Start your fitness journey before january!

Joining the gym before January gives you a head start on your fitness journey, allowing you to build consistency and confidence before the New Year rush. Starting early means you’ll already have your routine established, making it easier to stay motivated. Plus, you’ll avoid the crowded gym sessions typical of January, giving you more space and time to settle into your new routine. Ready to get started?

Building your workout routine allows you to focus on exercises and goals that matter most to you. With clear goals, a consistent schedule, and a balanced approach to exercises, you can build a routine that grows with you.

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