Choosing the best workouts is not an easy thing to do. But if you aim to gain muscles, then there is no other better workout routine than the push-pull split. This program involves dividing the workout routines according to pushing and pulling muscles to help in training and muscle recovery.
What is Push-Pull?
Push movements involve muscles in the chest, shoulder, and triceps areas of the body. Reflect on the push-ups, bench presses, and overhead presses. In pull exercises, you target muscles that pull such as your back, biceps, and hamstrings. Some of them are rows, pull-ups and deadlifts.
Why Push-Pull?
The beauty of push-pull exercise is that it is simple and works wonders. Here are some key benefits
- Targeted Training: It also allows you to work on different muscles independently which makes it possible to focus on specific areas during your workouts. This can be used to concentrate on the form in the sets and gradually increase the weights over the target muscles to gain increased strength and muscle mass.
- Improved Efficiency: Push-pull workouts can often be performed in less time than conventional workouts, while not limiting intensity. This is so because you are not overworking your body in one session while achieving your fitness goals. It also means that shorter workouts are easier to fit into packed schedules.
- Reduced Risk of Injury: Pushing and pulling movements should be performed alternatively to ensure that no specific muscle group becomes more loaded than the other. This can assist in eliminating muscle imbalances and problems that are a result of training one muscle group while ignoring the others.
Sample Push-Pull Schedule
This is a basic example suitable for beginners and can be adjusted based on your experience
Day 1: Push
Bench Press (3 sets of 8-12 reps)
Overhead Press (3 sets of 8-12 reps)
Incline Dumbbell Flyes (3 sets of 10-15 reps)
Tricep Pushdowns _x0016_ 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps.
Lateral Raises (3 sets of 15-20 reps)
Day 2: Pull (Rest Day 1)
Pull-Ups (3 sets to failure)
Barbell Bent-Over Rows (3 sets of 8-12 reps)
Seated Cable Rows (3 sets of 10-15 reps)
Bicep Curls (3 sets of 12-15 reps)
Barbell Deadlifts (if comfortable _x0016_ 3 sets of 5-8 reps)
Day 3: Push (Rest Day 2)
Incline Dumbbell Press (3 sets of 8-12 reps)
Dips (3 sets of as many reps as possible)
Barbell Bench Press (3 sets of 10-15 reps)
Tricep Extensions (3 sets of 12-15 reps)
Front Raises (3 sets of 15-20 reps)
Day 4: Pull (Rest Day 3)
Lat Pulldown _x0016_ 3 sets of 8-12 reps
Single-arm Dumbbell Rows _x0016_ 3 sets of 10-15 reps on each arm
Face Pulls _x0016_ 3 sets of 12-15 reps
Hammer Curls (Three sets of twelve to fifteen reps)
Push-Pull Combos
For faster workouts, you can do push-pull supersets. This involves doing a pushing movement, then a pulling movement, then taking a rest. This helps to maintain your heart rate high and makes it possible to work out more muscles at the same time. It is so effective to freeze the movements and to expand your muscle activation pattern in a wonderful manner.
Sample Push-Pull Superset Workout
Bench Press (3 sets of 8-12 reps) Superset with Barbell Row (3 sets of 8-12 reps)
Overhead Press (3 sets of 8-12 reps) Superset with Pull-Ups (3 sets of as many reps as possible)
Take 60 seconds of rest then perform the circuit 2-3 more times.
- It is advisable to vary the type of exercises, number of sets and reps, and rest intervals depending on personal fitness level and the plan in place. As you build strength, there are many adaptations of the push-pull split that one could consider.
- It is wiser always to maintain correct form than to lift as many pounds as possible. Applying correct techniques makes it possible to train the right muscles and minimize the chances of straining oneself.
- Stretch before each session and again after the session. A good warm-up helps your body to be ready for exercise and also reduces the risk of getting an injury. Cooling down enables the heart rate to get back to its normal rhythm while the muscles start getting back to their normal state.
- Take enough rest and ensure that you feed well in order to enable the body to recover as required. Muscles also build and recover during rest intervals. Be certain that you are providing sufficient rest and nutritional value in order to recover sufficiently. Muscles build up and recover from the work done during the period of rest. Ensure you are taking an adequate amount of rest at night and eating the right foods containing enough protein that will aid in muscle development.
Taking Your Push-Pull Further
The push-pull split can be modified as you go along with your fitness training and choose the right training for you. Here are some ways to take your workouts to the next level
- Increase Frequency: It is advised that newcomers perform 2-3 push-pull workouts in 7 days. When you progress you might wish to add an additional session for specific training.
- Change Reps and Sets: The optimal rep range for hypertrophy training is 8-12 reps per set. Lower reps (5-8) with heavier weights are used for greater strength improvement.
- Progressive Overload: Avoid lifting large amounts of weight initially and instead, gradually build up to it. This can be done by increasing the amount of weight lifted, increasing the number of repetitions per set, or reducing the amount of time between sets.
- Incorporate Core Work: Do not neglect your core! Stability and overall performance require a performer to have a strong core. This should involve activities such as planks, Russian twists, and leg lifts.
The push-pull split is a great training approach that can be used to effectively build muscle. That is why, with hard work and perseverance, you will surely be able to change your body and gain the desired results. Just to reiterate, consider your body signals, and proper biomechanics, and do not hesitate to try different things in order to discover what is the most effective for you.
