Is a Full Body Workout Good for You?

Is a Full Body Workout Good for You?
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With so many exercise machines and exercise fads to choose from, it may be difficult to figure out where to start. While some may prefer mixing cardio with strength training, a surefire way to build muscle, burn calories and spend less time in the gym is to incorporate full-body workouts into your gym routine.

Explanation of a Full-body Workout

A full-body workout entails spending an hour or less on exercises or workout machines that target all the muscle groups in your body, including your arms, back, abdominals and legs. In addition, you must start off with the heaviest weight you can possibly lift. At first, you may tire out by the time you reach the latter half of your workout routine.

Less Time at the Gym

One benefit of full-body workouts is that you will spend less time at the gym yet see results quickly. Lifting heavier weights will take up more energy and will require an adequate amount of recovery time. Therefore, you will only need to hit the gym two or three times a week. For example, you can perform a full-body workout Monday, Wednesday and Friday and rest the remaining days of the week. You can either choose to stay home on your off days or incorporate some light cardio. A one-hour, full-body workout will produce results in about a month.

Better Muscle Training

The problem with hopping from machine to machine is that it doesn't provide an adequate amount of time or particular focus on your muscles. Performing a set full-body workout routine provides greater and frequent training for your muscles. In addition, starting off with the heaviest weight you can lift is more beneficial to your muscles than simply lifting the least amount of weight you can lift. Not only will it strengthen and build muscle faster, but more muscle also improves your metabolism.

Better Symmetry

Working out with only one goal in mind, whether it's stronger arms, sleek legs or a tight stomach, may lead to overtraining and muscular imbalances. Muscular imbalance may lead to painful health conditions later on, including poor posture and joint pain. A full-body workout helps reduce the risk of developing mismatched muscles. Remember to switch around your workout routine so that each part of the body receives equal amount of attention.

References

Article reviewed by Nicholas Roman Last updated on: Apr 29, 2011

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