How to Avoid Mistakes in Your Split Routine
Are you tired of putting in hours at the gym without seeing the results you want? If you’re not seeing progress in your weight training split routine, it could be because of some common mistakes. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help you avoid these pitfalls and achieve the gains you’re looking for. In this article, we’ll go over the top 5 mistakes to avoid in your weight training split routine, and give you tips on how to get the most out of your workouts.
1. Not Planning Your Split Routine Ahead of Time
One of the biggest mistakes people make in their weight training split routine is not planning ahead. Without a clear plan in place, it’s easy to end up doing the same exercises every time you hit the gym. This can lead to plateaus in your progress and make it difficult to see any gains. To avoid this mistake, sit down and plan out your routine ahead of time. Decide which muscle groups you’ll be working on each day, and choose exercises that will help you achieve your goals.
2. Skipping Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs
Skipping warm-ups and cool-downs is another common mistake that can lead to injuries and hinder your progress. Warming up helps prepare your muscles for exercise while cooling down helps them recover. Skipping these important steps can also lead to soreness and decreased flexibility. To avoid this mistake, make sure to include a few minutes of warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after your workout.
I like to start with something that has both the arms and legs moving, like an elliptical machine with handles that move back and forth. This has the whole body moving and blood flowing everywhere. Since you are getting ready for an intense workout, try ramping up the intensity of your cardio warm-up. I don’t cool down at all on this opening exercise, as I want my body primed for some intense lifting afterward.
3. Overtraining
Overtraining is a mistake that many people make in their weight training split routine. It’s important to remember that your muscles need time to recover after a workout. If you don’t give them that time, you risk injuring yourself and hindering your progress. To avoid overtraining, limit your workouts to a reasonable length of time and make sure to take rest days.
Part of following a split routine in the first place is to get more training for each muscle and still avoid overtraining. You should get an optimal amount of rest days between each muscle workout so you are ready next time you get to that muscle.
4. Not Using Proper Form
Using proper form is crucial when it comes to weight training. If you’re not using proper form, you’re not only putting yourself at risk for injury, but you’re also not getting the full benefits of the exercise. Take the time to learn the proper form for each exercise you do, and make sure to maintain it throughout your workout.
5. Not Changing Up Your Routine
Finally, not changing up your routine is a mistake that can lead to plateaus in your progress. Your muscles need to be challenged in new ways in order to grow and develop. To avoid this mistake, switch up your exercises and routines every few weeks. This will keep your workouts fresh and exciting, and help you avoid hitting a plateau.
FAQs
Q: How often should I change up my weight training split routine? A: It’s recommended to change up your routine every 4-6 weeks.
Q: How many rest days should I take? A: It’s recommended to take at least one rest day per week.
Q: What are some good warm-up exercises? A: Some good warm-up exercises include jumping jacks, lunges, and arm circles.
Q: How can I make sure I’m using proper form? A: Take the time to learn the proper form for each exercise, and consider working with a trainer or taking a class to ensure you’re doing it correctly.
Conclusion
Avoiding these 5 common mistakes in your weight training split routine can make all the difference in achieving the gains you’re looking for. By planning your split routine ahead of time, including warm-ups and cool-downs, avoiding overtraining, using proper form, and changing up your routine, you’ll be on your way to achieving your fitness goals. Remember to listen to your body and adjust your routine as needed, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from a trainer or fitness professional if you need it. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful weight training split routine. So go ahead and hit the gym, and start seeing the results you’ve been working towards!
