Splits v full body workout?

Soldato
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I've been looking at different workouts covering 3 days splits and 2/3 day full body workouts and would like to hear what our resident gym-goers think.

From what I've read it seems the full body workout is better for beginners but real world experience is what I'm looking for.

Any input on this would be great :)
 
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I'm also quite interested in this....

Most of the people here I think do a 3 day split over a week (may be wrong, but I believe this is correct)

kd
 
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HST is pretty much a more varied workout over the week, compared to the tradition 3 day split.

might be worth a look at typical HST routines and see what you make of them.
 
do stronglifts 5x5 if your a beginner for a "minimum" of 3 months solid. (3 day full body).

after that switch to a combination of compound and isolation and focus on a part or 2 each day. (5 day split with low sets and high reps 3x10) and do it for a "minimum" of 3 months solid.

after that you should know what you like, dislike and how your body reacts to different types of stimulation and exercises.
 
I suppose when when your starting out, full body workouts would be ok. Just to learn the ropes, see how machine works, get your form right on all the exercises, and get a routine together.

As you get more advance I fail to see how you can possibly go flat out on deads/squats/bench on the same day. So i think when your getting more intense on these exercises its best to start a 3/4/5 day split.

When you have got all the exercises down and know whats what, it might be worth looking at
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It's ex pro bodybuilder dorian yates training other pro's/bodybuilders and to be honest in my eyes its the best way to train. I have just started training this way and there is no way i would go back to any other form of training.
Have a look through all the blood and guts trainer vids, he makes total sense and doesnt talk a lot of crap like other big name bodybuilders.
 
Depends really, both are good, i do a 4 day split Monday-Thursday and a full body workout on Saturday, seeing good gains from it.
 
I've done HST for 3 and a bit cycles. Bailed on my 4th yesterday as I need a change and miss the volume & intensity of a 3/4 day split.

For progression I found HST/Full body better to be honnest. I got stronger quicker, leaned out and my fitness improved.

Do both and swap every 6-12 weeks imo. It takes a while to condition your body to your new program esepcially when it's as taxing as a full body.
 
not sure what mine is but i do the following=

lift + cardio monday
lift + cardio tuesday
rest wednesday
lift + cardio thursday
lift + cardio friday
cycle saturday
rest sunday

what split is this?

what ever it is im seeing pretty good gains from it, happy enough that i have no desire to try anything else at the moment.
 
I would always recommend a full body routine for someone just starting. Something like TBT by Chad Waterbury would be a good choice.

Even for advanced guys full body workouts have their place, I actually find them more enjoyable because of the variety each gym session. I tend to rotate between full body workouts and splits.
 
I've been doing 5 day splits where I work a body muscle each day. E.g.

Monday - Chest
Tuesday - Back
Wednesday - Legs & Shoulders
Thursday - Arms

Then I have the weekend to rest. I've been doing this for around 6 months now. Im changing to HST training now. I've read the HST website and don't really understand most of it :p How long are you supposed to rest between sets and exercises?
 
There are several threads on HST here, do a search.

Looking at your previous split, do you not think it's a little silly do dedicate a whole workout to your arms and only half of one to your legs and shoulders?
 
Alternative if you only want to train 3 days and don't fancy a full body..

Mon - Chest, back
Wed - Legs, lower back, abs
Fri - Shouders, Arms
 
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