4 Steps to Develop a Bullet-Proof Workout Program to Start the New Year
After ringing in the New Year, it's likely that you are setting goals and making resolutions. This is a great time to refine your workouts to help you achieve your goals. Starting out the year with a plan in place will ensure that you are one step closer to reaching your ultimate goal.
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Train Smarter, Not Longer - Nobody wants to be in the gym longer than they have to be. The ability to train effectively and efficiently is the goal, but can be difficult if you are not organized. That’s why it’s important to:
Determine your training goals in advance, and design your program around these desired outcomes. Pick goal related and-specific exercises that translate to your desired outcome.
Then use the following guidelines to implement your plan:
1. Perform Compound Exercises
Multi-joint compound lifts, such as Deadlifts, Presses and Squats, target multiple muscle groups at a time, increasing the bang for your buck. Because of the higher caloric demand from more active muscles, they also increase natural testosterone levels, increase lean body mass and burn fat.
2. Phase Your Workouts
Periodization and phasing is the process of controlling specific training variables to progress through a program safely and effectively. There are many schools of thought on which phasing is best. Do your own research and decide which one best fits your program goals. A properly phased program can have you making dramatic strength gains and building muscle without getting hurt.
3. Train to Be Explosive
Perform explosive movements, such as Medicine Ball Slams, Kettlebell Swings, and Plyometrics, during each workout. These will increase your power and improve your strength for those compound exercises. They also have a high metabolic demand, helping you burn more calories while building muscle and improving strength!
4. Build a Strong Foundation
Select exercises that train these essential planes of motion and joint complexes. Here are some general guidelines:
Horizontal Push
Pushing a load horizontally from the shoulder joint through the extension of the elbow
Horizontal Pull
Pulling a load horizontally from the shoulder joint through the flexion of the elbow
Vertical Push
Pushing a load vertically with shoulder flexion and elbow extension
Vertical Pull
Pulling a load vertically with shoulder extension and elbow flexion
(Neutral Grip Pull-Up, Chin-Up)
Knee Dominant
Pushing into the ground to extend your knee and hip. Perform both single- and two-leg exercises
(Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat, Step-Up, Bulgarian Split-Squat, Front Rack Squat)
Hip Dominant
Pulling a load off the ground with an extension of the hip
Core Stability
Resisting movement and stabilizing the spine
Rotational Core
Rotational movements that work both up and down and side-to-side
(Cable Chop, Medball Side Toss, Cable Twists)
Explosive
Rapidly moving a weight load under control