It is that time yet again; it’s time for me to change up my routine a little bit. I still plan to hit the gym each and every day, and I still plan to alternate the number of sets (between 3 sets and 4 sets) that I will do per exercise every time I go to the gym, but I need to switch up which muscles I am working out together. It is merely that time again. Looking back, you will see why!
Here is a little history:
Pre-2009
A long time ago, I was just getting started with workouts, so I did not know everything about which muscles to work out together. Let me note that there is no specific magic formula to guarantee certain results (or at least I am unaware of it) outside of hard work, dedication, attention to detail, and listening to those who have great knowledge about the topic. Basically, there are no shortcuts. So, back to the quick story! I eventually started working out more and more and using different routines. Over time, I found that it was a solid start.
2009 to early 2011
Later, in 2009, I started working out with my cousin, Zach. Before this, I was doing more cardio than lifting, so my lifting regimen was a bit rusty; as a result, I sought out my cousin’s insight and expertise. At that time, he was following the push-pull theory, so I started following his workout program. That program meant that I would hit my chest and triceps together on one day, my back and biceps together on the next day, and my legs and shoulders (since those were all that was left) on the last day in the workout rotation!
Spring 2011 until fall 2011
As I moved down to Georgia and throughout my first year living here (in the Atlanta area), I stuck with this program, not tweaking it much at all. So, in April of this year, it was recommended that I switch things up, so I did. I took all of the primary muscle groups (chest, biceps, and legs) and labeled them A, B, and C; I took those secondary muscles (triceps, biceps, and shoulders) and labeled them 1, 2, and 3. I messaged Elaine and asked her to pick one of those letters and one of those numbers (she did not know what I was using that information for). Since I was not going to allow her to pick the same muscle combinations, I just needed the first letter and number. Thus, she indirectly created my new workout for me. Since early April of this year, I have been working out chest with biceps and forearms, back with shoulders, and legs with triceps, but April was 6 months ago, so I figured that it was time to change things up yet again.
New Routine Starting October 24, 2011
Since I want to try something slightly new, I am going to mix up those primary and secondary muscle groups one more time. Since I worked out my chest and biceps under the old routine on the 23rd, I will start with my back on the 24th! Here is how it is going to go: back with triceps, legs with biceps/forearms, and chest with shoulders. I will still rotate 3 set days and 4 set days so I give my various muscles a break.
Importance of Changing Things Up
When it comes to working out at the gym (or even at home), it is important to understand that muscle memory is a reality. When we do the same routine day-in and day-out, our muscles tend to plateau after a little while. So, what do we need to do? Well, we need to periodically shock the body. I recommend that you change up which muscles you work out together just as I recommend switching up the various exercises you use to train the different parts of your body. This helps to keep your body sharp and stronger! So, I encourage you to change up your routine from time to time and keep your workouts fresh, new, and exciting! See you in the gym!
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