How to Create Your Own Workout

Today’s contribution is by Jamie Colcord, B.S, CPT – Program Manager at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital James C. Kennedy Fitness Center.

 

Do you feel lost or like you have no idea where to start with exercising? How about stuck or bored with your workouts? One easy way to fix this is to create your own workouts and have some options to switch it up as well!

Now you may be thinking…Do I do upper body or lower? Back and biceps or chest and triceps? What about legs and shoulders and abs?! There are too many options! Well, here is a simple workout template to choose from. This template trains you in movements rather than body parts. A total body workout is going to be the most metabolically demanding than just doing biceps curls. This kind of workout will get you lean and strong at the same time.

Step 1: Choose 1 exercise from each section.

Step 2: Choose anywhere from 1-3 sets and 6-12 reps and GO!

 

Quad Dominant Exercise

Squats

Step Ups

Lunges

Leg Press

 

Hip Dominant Exercises

Deadlift

Hip Bridge

Back Extension

Leg Curl

 

Vertical Push

Shoulder Press

 

Vertical Pull

Lat Pull-down

Pull-ups

 

Horizontal Push

Push-ups

Bench Press

 

Horizontal Pull

Seated Row

Bent-over Row

 

Core

Elbow Plank

Hand Plank

Side Plank

Superman hold

Mountain climbers

Standing oblique crunches

 

Step 3: Pick the type if equipment you want to use. Choose from one below.

Bodyweight

Dumbbells

Barbells

Resistance Bands

Weight Machines

 

Final Tip: If the workout you created feels too hard, decrease the weight or the range of motion. If it feels too easy, add more weight, more sets, more reps or do the entire workout faster!

If you need more assistance, ask any of the Wellness Staff at the front desk at your fitness center. They will be happy to help you.