I was wondering if its better to do a full body workout 2 to 3 times a day is better than doing legs one day, arms another, ect. 5 times a week...(1 muscle group per day)?

More frequency is better as long as volume is kept in check. Muscle groups strengthen/grow better when worked 2-3 times a week rather than just 1.

Do you mean doing a full body routine 2-3 times per week? It all depends on your goals. I personally do a mix of methods since you are supposed to change your fitness program every 4-6 weeks.

I started with a full body routine 2-3 times per week. Off days I did cardio and had one rest day per week.

Then I changed to doing Upper Body one day and Lower Body/Abs the next. I did a mix of cardio intensitites and session lengths throughout the week. One rest day per week.

So it all depends on your goals and your current routine. Which is better? Either Or. It depends on you.

Well, what are your goals, and which do you prefer? These both matter. First, you should be happy with your workout. If you want to build up muscle and strength, full body training three times a week is excellent. Muscle growth takes place for 48 hours after a workout. So, hitting the muscles 3 times a week is excellent.

Hope this helps.

Sarah

I really want to tone up and build muscle... I would like to be in a competition some day... I get really sore though after I workout though... so it's hard for me to stay motivated... but thanks... I really need to get a full body workout plan, but I'm really bad about overdoing it says my trainer/friend....

Skye, could you post your average day workout. Maybe you are overdoing it and possibly we can give you some positive direction for your workouts.

Ah, you want to compete huh? Fitness or figure? I'm a "retired" figure competitor. I had my last comp last fall. Defnately good to have a trainer who is experienced in competitions. You probably will need to build up quite a bit of muscle.

Overdoing it isn't good. But then again we all need different levels of volume in our workouts. I'm one who only builds muscle on high volume.

Sarah

either or... I haven't met anyone around here that is experienced with competitions... I would probably have to go to Houston and there is no way that my mother or father would allow me to do that. My parents are thrilled that I want to be in a competition. I don't get to work out with my pt as much as I did. Mainly because of school...

Please feel free to contact me! I work with fitness/figure competitors online. The lifestyle is so much different fromt eh average lifestyle of someone who eats right/works out. Don't hesitate to let me know if you need help or just have questions. Competing is such an awesome experience!
Sarah

I agree with Sarah and you may want to contact her. Anything that revolves around competing (figure, fitness, sports, etc) will require a much different approach than general fat loss and fitness. Best of luck.

My workout usually changes everytime I go to the gym. Most the time whatever I am doing, I do until I can't anymore or I pyramid down... (sorry I took so long on posting that, didn't see it till' now) I really need to get a good routine down and stick with it...

I would focus first on getting to a general health level. If you are lifting moderately and are still sore, you need to get to a point where you are a lot less sore before you take on more.

Sarah would know more about specific competitions, but it might be good to start with a general level of fitness and healthy eating before doing anything too rigorous or strenuous.

While being motivated is good, being so sore that you can't work out is not. Unless this is just your first month (you will ALWAYS hurt your first month), you are probably hitting it too hard if you can't go the next day and at least do a little cardio (walking, running, elliptical, etc.).

You also need to figure out a plan, and that should govern what you do each week. You can change up your workout every month or so, which should prevent your body from adapting and should increase weights with your muscle growth and fat loss. I wouldn't do "whatever," as you may overdevelop some areas, overtrain others, and undertrain some. You won't have body equivalency, which is very important for balance and a nice lean look.