Fitness

So I have a similar routine (push, pull, leg/ab), but different workouts and set/rep combination

One of the cool things about the present is we no longer have to guess which exercises are most effective at stimulating muscle development.

By using a technique called Electromyography (EMG), which measures the electrical activity of muscles during exercise, we have a good proxy for how much of the muscle is being used.

Edit: so originally I had some data here that I had from I saved in my notes from years ago to refer back to, back when EMG analysis was new and articles about it not common.

Now that’s not the case, and I can’t find that specific source, so deleting that, but ultimately I think my point of using EMG analysis of best exercises to target your muscle groups as opposed to just guessing still stands, and you can review the many articles online to determine which are best for yourself.

Hi, it depends on your goals. Do you practice for aesthetics (bodybuilding) ? Strength ? Fitness ? Improving sport performance ?

Exercise selection for beginners isn't all the complicated, you just need to cover your bases.

✅ Vertical pulling (Lat Pulldown)

✅ Horizontal pulling (Cable rows)

✅ Pressing (Chest press)

✅ Quad focused leg exercise (Leg Press)

❌ Hinge movement. You cover your hamstrings with leg curls, which is fine, but you're may be missing out on glutes depending on your leg press style.

Extra spice:

✅ Biceps (Biceps curls)

✅ Triceps (Triceps pushdown)

✅ Abs (Crunches)

❌ Lateral shoulders

While you don't need the big compound lifts if you don't like them, you should consider including a hinge movement (RDL, deadlifts, good morning) in your exercise selection. It's a fundamental human movement pattern.

All in all it's a fine selection, but if you're a beginner, why not pick an exercise program? What you've provided isn't an exercise program, it's just a selection of exercises. A proper program would included reps and sets, and a method for progression.

With that said, you can't really go wrong with an exercise program for general health. Just doing something is infinitely better than doing nothing, good luck on your journey 🙂

It all depends on your goals. Are you looking to do a bodybuilding program? Those exercises are all good but lack compound movements which should be the core of your program if you are able.

How much training have you done? Are you just starting out?

I'd probably try to focus on the larger compound lifts, if your gym has the equipment to allow it.

By doing Squats, Deadlifts, Bench Press and Press, you will get more mileage out of each exercise.

It all depends on your goals, of course, but this is aligned with my goals - strength, maintaining health as I age, becoming faster on my bike, and looking good.

Here's a resource that has been useful for me: https://thefitness.wiki/