The typical forms of exercise usually focus on specific body parts per day. This is great if that is your goal and you don't mind breaking up your routine that way. However, for most of us, we are always battling a time crunch and want to get the most out of workout in the least amount of time. This is where full-body workouts come into play.
Time Saver
If you are already finding it difficult to hit the gym on a daily basis, then you will be happy to know that doing full-body workouts can cut your gym time down to 2 or 3 times per week. Since you will be working out with more intensity, you are getting in a high quality workout. You can spend the other days doing other activities like cardio workouts.
Strength Training and Cardio in One Shot
Whether you are using weights or your own body weight as resistance, spending time on every body part within one hour will get your heart pumping. The best routines are interval routines that combine sets of upper body workouts with lower body workouts. For example, shoulder press with dumbbells and combining with dumbbell squats.
Workout in Less Time
Most full-body workouts can be done in 45 minutes and working out this way shouldn't take more than an hour. If you are doing interval training, you will probably be exhausted before you even reach an hour. Going any longer isn't really necessary which is great because you aren't spending hours at a time in the gym.
Unlimited Routines
You don't have to do the same exercises every time you workout. There are tons of routines you can do to work each major body part. If you run out of ideas, check out YouTube and type in 10 minute workouts or 12 minute workouts. Even search for interval routines - you will have more than enough to start out with.
Less Equipment
Most workouts don't require anything more than dumbbells, stability ball or bench, and your own body weight. This means you don't even need to hit the gym unless you like to use various machines there. Most workouts can be done right at home in a small space.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
This is one of the great things about doing martial arts. It’s always involving your entire body at once. One thing I like to do is practice a shaolin kung fu form with 5 to 10 lbs dumbbells in my hands to increase the resistance in movement.
I usually do small weights to work out my upper body and do brisk walking or jogging, usually a combination of both 3x a week and this works out for me. I dont like the treadmill much, I prefer to go outdoors and ride my bicycle which is a great work out for the whole body.
I like basics that are kept simple. I’m 57 years old and do some wait training for bone density. However the simplest exercises done at different speeds help me with cardio. I like things that can be made fun, after all the best exercises are the ones you like
One of the reasons I started my own in home personal training business is to help educate individuals on proper form and all the benefits of working out, there are so many ways to obtain all fitness goals no matter what your schedule is like or what current health condition you are in there is something for everyone…you just have to want it and be willing to put the work in t get it.
I am most of the time all for body weight exercises but that’s my way of life. I enjoy them the most and they can be done nearly anywhere. You just need a bit of creativity and time to enjoy the benefits.
Martial arts is my life so it consists alot of body weight exercises.
Nice Post,
Richard
RH Martial Fitness
Great information about full body lifting and cardio workouts. Thanks for sharing Coach Eartha!
Great post. I totally agree with the approach. Especially for beginners or those looking to shock their body into something new. Training is all about trial and error to find a suitable routing that works for you. You can’t go wrong with a full body approach to get you started. Just have to remember diet is also an important factor -