How To Choose The Right Workout Programme
In today’s world, it is so much easier to make exercise fit around our day to day schedule. Through online classes, digital workout programmes and flexible gym sessions, it’s much easier to create a structured routine.
This being said, it’s essential that you make sure you are picking a suitable workout programme and with so many to choose from it can be tricky! So we’ve created a step by step guide to picking the right programme for you…
STEP 1: Determine Your Goals
In order to pick the correct workout programme to follow, you first need to determine what exactly you are looking to work towards.
For example, some programmes are designed specifically to build muscle, whereas others are more focused on functional strength or weight loss. In order to pick the correct programme.
It’s a good idea to map out what sort of thing you would like to zone in on - there’s no point picking a cardio programme to build muscle gains!
STEP 2: Determine Your Fitness Level
It’s essential when choosing a programme to make sure that it is aimed at your fitness level. For example, some at home workout programmes are aimed at all fitness level but there are some gym based programmes that will be aimed towards those who are more confident in the gym and are working on more advanced exercises.
A good way to work this out is to ask yourself some basic questions:
Am I confident using machines by myself?
If the answer is yes then you could look at a gym based programme, if it’s no then you may be better with a bodyweight beginner programme
Do I understand resistance effort level?
A big part of some strength programmes is working to you unique max effort level. If you are unsure about what this means you may prefer an endurance style programme where it focuses more on sets and reps which is sometimes easier to follow.
How often do I workout?
For those of you who workout more than 3-4 times a week you may prefer a more progressive programme that will progress you further. If you are more along the lines of 1-2 times per week, you may prefer a more basic programme that is easier to fit into your schedule.
Be honest when answering these questions, it’s very important that you don’t pick a programme that is too advanced for you as you risk injury. Think about how hard you find working out mentally too - if you struggle with motivation it is better to pick more basic programme as you are more likely to stick to it.
STEP 3: Decide how and where you want to workout
There are so many different programmes available now so it helps to know how you want to complete a programme.
For example, some programmes are designed more for home workouts, some are designed purely for the gym. You can also get workout programmes that are equipment free, so if you don’t want to spend too much money on getting kitted out, these could be right for you!
STEP 4: Picking the right company
This is where you really need to do your research. With so many online and gym workout programmes available, it’s hard to know which to pick. We advise asking the following questions when looking at programmes:
Is the company reputable?
Are there any reviews, testimonials or feedback? Are they local to you? Can you get in contact? It’s good to be able to speak to the company in case you have any problems so make sure there are some details there.
Has the programme been developed by a Personal Trainer?
Having a PT behind a programme is much more effective as you know that they have more extensive knowledge of fitness so the programme will be of a higher quality. Whilst social media is great for workout inspiration, usually it is better to follow workout programmes from fully qualified instructors
Are the programmes generic or can they be adapted?
A sign of a good programme is that they can be adapted for each person where needed. For example, if you are unable to do a certain exercise, a good quality programme will offer alternatives rather than being generic.
To Summarise:
So, when picking a programme there are 4 key steps to be considerign before you make your choice. our biggest piece of advice is really doing your research. Take your time to look into a variety of programmes as you will find that there are so many to choose from.
If you can, opt for a programme designed by a trainer who you can contact in case of any issues.
