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Training Fundamentals · Oct 28, 2023

How to Build a Simple Workout Routine

Stop overcomplicating your training. A simple, consistent routine beats a complex, inconsistent one every time.

Simplicity Wins

A workout routine doesn't need dozens of exercises or a complicated periodization scheme to work. The best routine is the one you'll actually follow week after week.

Pick a Structure

  • Full body 3x per week for beginners
  • Upper/Lower split 4x per week for intermediate lifters
  • Push/Pull/Legs for lifters training 5-6 days a week

Track It So You Can Repeat It

Once you pick a structure, the real work is showing up and doing slightly better than last time. That's impossible without a record of what you did. A simple gym log turns your routine into a repeatable, improvable system instead of a guessing game.

FAQ

How many exercises should be in a workout?

Most effective sessions use 4-6 exercises covering the major movement patterns for the muscles being trained that day.

How long should a simple routine run before changing it?

Stick with a routine for at least 6-8 weeks so you can properly apply progressive overload before switching things up.

Can I use RepTally to save my routine?

Yes. RepTally lets you build and reuse workout templates so you can log the same routine quickly every time you train.

Stop guessing. Start tracking.

RepTally is the fastest way to log your workouts. Free to use, no ads, available on iOS and Android.