How Diverse is Your Routine?

[Reymak]

For the most part I've been using the same exercises for each body-part as part of my routines for a while now; generally two or three exercises per body-part, four to six sets ea exercise.

Recently my triceps routines have started sticking, I can't seem to push my weight upward, and last night, I couldn't even complete the same routine at the same weights that I used last week.

I've read before that when this happens, it's time to move on, at least for a while, to another exercise.

Some of the routines I've heard of/read about even propose different exercises each week, rotating through a four-weeks cycle (or similar).

So, what do you guys do? Remain static until stuck? Diversity, as the norm? Somewhere in between?

 

[HDH]

I say mix it up. Any routine will work you just have to do it. You can switch up training exercises, switch from heavy with less reps to light with more reps or a mixture of both as long as you keep your body guessing. I wouldn't wait until you hit a plateau.

Some days are better than others. You might have days in there where you might feel a little weak. It's possibly due to over training because you feel like your not progressing as you should. Sometimes your body needs a break too.

Switch it up and see how it goes.

HDH

 

[mac111]

how long have you been doing this particular w/o?

do you always work body parts in the same format?

when did you last take a break?

is your diet good?

 

[Reymak]

I've been using my current workout regimen for about six months, but it's only mildly tweaked as time has gone on (e.g., a few replaced exercises) so nine months is probably more accurate.

I posted my routines in another post just the other day in this forum (“What's wrong with my routine?”) I think the minor tweaks here and there, trying to get it right, has led to a situation where it's a routine by evolution and not by design, and it’s evolved into less than what it should be.

I also think it’s a bit too static, I do indeed hit the same body parts in, generally, the same order.

I took a break in Aug., the whole damn month (whoa, I won’t do that again), I went to Europe, a lot of hiking and walking, but no gym. That was a rough one to deal with, took me another month just to get back to where I was before leaving.

I’ve been reading about HST and compound exercises recently, my friends tell me “it’s time.” They also mentioned that with the greater intensity it may help with my stubborn belly flub.

My diet is mostly clean (I posted that too, "What's wrong with my diet?"), still trying to figure-out the carb. and protein proportions, very low fat; but as I said, I’m not really eating like a monster due to my flub, if I can get that under control I’d increase my protein and carbs. cals. more.

 

[mac111]

change your w/o every 8wks, take a week off every 8wks.