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How Many Exercises Per Workout Should I Do?

When you aim to charge your fitness routine and maximize those gains one common question that often arises is, “how many exercises per workout do I do?” Well, we assure you that you have landed in the right place! In this blog, we’ll break down the ideal number of exercises per workout to help you achieve your fitness goals efficiently.

Expert’s Opinion on How Many Exercises Per Workout You Should Do!

When it comes to designing your fitness routine, the number of exercises per workout you should include can vary depending on your goals and fitness level. Aside from the number of exercises, the type of movement you incorporate in your workout matters as well. In context of exercises per workout, a well known CCP Coach Georgia Smith, from OPEX fitness, suggests following six 6 movement patterns:

  • Squat 
  • Bend 
  • Push 
  • Pull 
  • Lunge 
  • Core

Jeremy Ethier, the founder of Built With Science suggests picking about 2-4 exercises per workout – per muscle group that work well for your body and cover a good variety of movement patterns. You can distribute these movements throughout the week as per your need, keeping some exercises constant while switching up others and on multiple days if needed. 

However, limit the number of exercises per workout you use per muscle to 3 or 4 at most. Let’s break down the advice we have gathered from industry experts into the following comprehensive guide:

1. How Many Exercises Per Workout Beginners Need?

If you’re new to the fitness world, it’s best to start with a more straightforward approach, focusing on 3-4 exercises per workout. This approach allows you to learn proper form, prevent overexertion, and gradually build strength. Make sure to choose those exercises per workout that target different muscle groups to create a balanced routine.

Read: Can Angina Be Cured by Exercise

2. How Many Exercises Per Workout Intermediates Need?

As you gain experience and confidence, you can increase the number of exercises per workout. Adding 4-6 exercises per session lets you work on multiple muscle groups and introduce more variety into your routine. This can help prevent plateaus and keep your workouts exciting.

3. How Many Exercises Per Workout Advanceds Need?

For those well-versed in fitness, a more extensive workout plan may be necessary to challenge your body continually. Including 6-8 or even more exercises per workout can help you target specific muscles, achieve hypertrophy, and fine-tune your physique. However, ensure you’re allowing enough time for recovery between intense workouts.

4. How Many Exercises Per Workout Are Needed with Specific Goals

Your specific fitness goals also play a crucial role in determining the number of exercises per workout. Here are some common objectives and recommendations:

  • Strength Training: If your primary goal is building strength, focus on 4-6 compound exercises per workout, like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. In case you are working out at home, you can use kettlebells and dumbbells.
  • Muscle Building (Hypertrophy): To maximize muscle growth, consider 6-8 exercises per workout that target different muscle groups with a mix of compound and isolation exercises.
  • Weight Loss: For weight loss, a balanced approach with 4-6 exercises per workout that elevate your heart rate and engage multiple muscle groups can be highly effective. For this purpose you can use a combination of HIIT and conditioning exercises.

What to Watch When Adding Exercises Per Workout?​

Throughout this journey, always remain attuned to your body’s signals. Overtraining can be a perilous pitfall leading to injuries and burnout. If you sense excessive fatigue or persistent soreness, heed these warnings as signs to scale back on the number of exercises or increase your rest days.

Lastly, quality must forever overshadow quantity. Emphasizing the importance of proper form and control cannot be overstated. Hastening through exercises merely to meet a numerical target will not yield the desired results and could lead to unfortunate injuries. Every rep, every set should be executed with precision and mindfulness.

Listening to Your Body!

Regardless of your fitness level or goals, it’s vital to listen to your body. Overtraining can lead to injuries and burnout. If you feel excessively fatigued or experience persistent soreness, it’s a sign to scale back on the number of exercises or increase your rest days.

Quality Over Quantity

Remember, the quality of your exercises matters more than the quantity. Focus on performing each movement correctly, with proper form and control. Rushing through exercises just to meet a specific number won’t yield the desired results and may lead to injuries.

Read: Exercises for Lower Back Pain Relief

Plan Your Workout

To make sure you do the optimum number of exercises per workout according to your level, plan it in advance. Identify your exercises, sets, and reps. Having a structured plan ensures that you stay on track and make steady progress.

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, finding the most suitable number of exercises per workout is a journey not paved with a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather with a thoughtful and tailored strategy. The question of how many exercises to include in your workout is a pivotal one, and the answer lies in a delicate balance between your fitness level, your specific goals, and your personal preferences.

So, make sure to experiment, adapt, and heed the wisdom of your own body. With time, you will unveil the perfect number of exercises that propel you toward your goals, keep you motivated, and transform your fitness journey into an exhilarating adventure. Embrace the power of customization, tailor your workout, and let your gains soar to new heights.

Spot a mistake or want to suggest improvement? Feel free to contact us!

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