Full-body workouts: pros and cons

You may have heard before that bodybuilders usually do ABCDE body-part split workouts, working one muscle group a day. If so, you may be tempted to copy that yourself because if they’re doing it, it must be the superior choice, right? Well, what you have to consider is that you are probably not doing everything they do, eating everything they eat and certainly not taking everything they take, so why should you train just like them? A good option for the regular folks like ourselves is to try full-body splits. Just stick around to learn its pros and cons.

A full-body workout is a type of exercise routine that targets all major muscle groups in the body in a single session. This typically includes exercises that work the chest, back, shoulders, arms, legs, and core.

The benefits of a full-body workout include:

• Time efficiency: A full-body workout can be completed in a single session, saving time compared to splitting workouts into multiple sessions targeting specific muscle groups;
• Improved overall fitness: Full-body workouts can improve overall strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness;
• Increased calorie burn: Working multiple muscle groups in a single session can increase calorie burn and promote fat loss;
• Balanced muscle development: A full-body workout ensures that all major muscle groups are being targeted, which can lead to more balanced muscle development and prevent muscle imbalances;
• Variety and flexibility: Full-body workouts can be designed in a variety of ways, allowing for flexibility in terms of exercise selection and workout structure;
• Convenience: Full-body workouts can be performed with minimal equipment and in a variety of settings, making them convenient for those who do not have access to a gym or prefer to exercise at home;

Overall, a full-body workout is a great option for those looking to improve their overall fitness, balance muscle development, and save time. It can also provide variety and flexibility in terms of exercise selection and workout structure.

While full-body workouts can have many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. These may include:

• Overtraining: A full-body workout can be intense, and if done too frequently or with too much volume, can lead to overtraining and increased risk of injury.
• Lack of specificity: A full-body workout may not allow for as much specificity in terms of exercise selection and targeting specific muscle groups as compared to split workouts that focus on one or two muscle groups at a time.
• Fatigue: Working all major muscle groups in a single session can lead to significant muscle fatigue, which may impact the quality of subsequent workouts and daily activities.
• Limited recovery time: With a full-body workout, all major muscle groups are being targeted in a single session, which means that they may require more time to recover before the next workout.
• Plateauing: As with any workout routine, the body can adapt to a full-body workout over time, leading to decreased gains and progress.
• Not suitable for certain goals: While a full-body workout can be effective for overall fitness and muscle development, it may not be the best option for specific goals such as building maximum strength or endurance training.

Usually, the disadvantages of a full-body workout are typically related to the intensity and recovery time required, as well as the potential for limited specificity in exercise selection. However, with proper planning and programming, these issues can often be addressed to create an effective and safe workout routine.