Do you walk into the gym and have no idea where to begin?
Feeling a bit lost about where to begin is more common than you might think. I’ll share with you my gym guide to up your confidence and amplify your results.
The Power of Compound Movements
To start your workout most effectively, begin with compound movements. These are exercises that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously and require a good amount of energy and focus. They’re the heavy hitters of any fitness regimen and for a good reason.
Why Start with the Big Lifts?
Think about exercises like the overhead shoulder press, deadlift, bench press, and squat. These movements aren’t just impressive on paper; they require the most from your body and central nervous system. By prioritizing them at the beginning of your workout, you’re tackling them when you’re at your freshest and strongest.
The Science that Backs the Tactic
There’s a method to this approach: compound exercises take a considerable toll on your energy reserves. If you wait until the end of your workout to do them, not only will you be too fatigued to do them well, but you’ll also struggle to maintain consistency in tracking your progress.
Progressive Overload: The Key to Growth
Incorporating the principle of progressive overload—gradually increasing the weight or resistance to stimulate muscle growth—is much easier when you do these exercises at the start of your routine. Consistency is crucial for building strength, and you’re most consistent at the beginning of your workout. This way you can accurately measure and increase your lifts over time.
The Takeaway:
So, the next time you step into the gym, remember to start strong. Do your compound exercises at the beginning of your session to harness your full potential and energy. This approach helps you continuously improve.
Remember, the order of your exercises are just as important as the exercises you choose. Starting with compound movements sets a solid foundation for the rest of your workout. After that, you can move on to isolation exercises or cardio as needed.
I hope this guide empowers you to walk into the gym with a clear plan of action. Start strong, stay consistent, and watch as you steadily conquer your fitness goals. For more guidance in the gym, try out a free consultation with our coaches to make the fitness plan of your dreams.
Let us know how you like to start your workout in the comments!