3 Secrets to Create a Perfect Workout Split

| Feb 05, 2024 / 8 min read

Find out 3 secrets to create a perfect workout split tailored for you!

Embarking on the journey of muscle growth is a multifaceted endeavor that extends beyond mere dedication to the gym. The blueprint for success in this pursuit lies in the intricate design of your training split.

Dr. Mike, a distinguished fitness expert with a wealth of experience, generously imparts three invaluable secrets that form the bedrock of an exceptional and effective training split geared towards optimal muscle growth. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into each element with meticulous detail, offering insights that will empower you to construct a workout routine that not only meets but surpasses your expectations in the realm of muscle development.

Dr Mike Israetel, PhD in Sport Physiology and co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, is a well-respected professor in the bodybuilding community. He doesn’t only talk about workouts and fitness tips, he often dives deep into health and nutrition.

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The quest for a well-crafted training split is not just about the number of hours spent lifting weights; it involves a strategic orchestration of sets, reps, and recovery periods. Dr. Mike, who has become a trusted authority in the fitness community, addresses the perennial question many individuals face: “Is my training split good, or did I make a mistake?” His approach centers around three fundamental principles, each a secret ingredient contributing to the alchemy of muscle growth.

3 Secrets to Create a Perfect Workout Split

There are 4 popular options for you to choose from in terms of workout splits:

Bro split

Upper / lower body

Push / pull / legs

Full body

However, which one is better? Or, actually, that is not why you clicked here. You want to know the secrets to create a perfect workout split, handmade tailored for you only.

1. Weekly Volume: Striking the Right Balance

The first crucial aspect of an effective training split is ensuring that you’re hitting the sweet spot in terms of weekly volume. Dr. Mike emphasizes the importance of performing an optimal number of sets per week for each muscle group, typically ranging between six and 20 sets. While there can be exceptions, this range provides a general guideline for achieving significant muscle stimulation without overtraining.

Understanding the significance of proper volume allocation is vital. Whether you choose to train each muscle group once a week with higher sets or twice a week with slightly fewer sets per session, the key is to find the balance that works for your body and goals. Dr. Mike offers insights into identifying if your split is on track by evaluating your weekly volume and its distribution across muscle groups.

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2. Time Between Sessions: Navigating Soreness and Fatigue

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The second secret to an effective training split is strategically managing the time between sessions. Dr. Mike highlights the importance of avoiding overlapping muscle soreness, emphasizing that muscles should be close to fully recovered before training them again. Training a muscle group while it’s still sore not only impedes growth but also increases the risk of injury.

The recovery period should allow for both the dissipation of soreness and the restoration of strength. Dr. Mike provides practical advice on adjusting your training frequency and volume to optimize the time between sessions. Whether you choose to spread out your workouts more evenly throughout the week or condense them into a higher frequency, finding the right balance is crucial for long-term success.

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3. Frequency per Muscle: Unlocking the Potential of Higher Frequencies

Dr. Mike’s third secret to a successful training split revolves around the frequency of training per muscle group. While traditional Bro splits often involve training each muscle once a week, current research suggests that higher frequencies, preferably at least twice a week, lead to superior gains.

Understanding the nuanced relationship between training frequency and effectiveness is key. Dr. Mike breaks down the research, explaining the gradual improvements in gains with increased training frequencies. However, he cautions against excessive training, noting that training a muscle more than twice a week may not provide substantial additional benefits.

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In the dynamic realm of muscle growth, crafting an effective training split is a nuanced endeavor that demands attention to detail and a profound understanding of individual needs. Dr. Mike’s three secrets, unveiled throughout this guide, serve as a compass guiding fitness enthusiasts toward a training split that not only meets but surpasses the aspirations of optimal muscle development.

In conclusion, the secrets to an awesome and effective training split for muscle growth are not confined to a rigid template but rather an adaptable guide that empowers individuals to navigate their unique fitness journey. By incorporating these principles into your routine, you not only enhance the likelihood of substantial gains but also cultivate a sustainable and fulfilling approach to the pursuit of muscle development. In the ever-evolving landscape of fitness, this holistic perspective offers a compass for those seeking not just progress but enduring success in their muscle-building endeavours.

Do you want more information about Israetel’s 3 secrets to create a perfect workout split? Then simply click on the video below. Israetel delivers all the information above, with more details, and sprinkled with his dark humor that he became famous for.

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If you want to know which exercises to choose when it comes to creating the perfect workout split, you should know that compound exercises usually make a solid foundation for movements.

Compound exercises are highly regarded in the fitness community for their unparalleled effectiveness in building muscle. These exercises involve multiple muscle groups and joints working in coordination to execute a movement. Here are several reasons why compound exercises are considered excellent for muscle building:

  1. Muscle Engagement:
  • Multi-Muscle Activation: Compound exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. For example, a barbell squat activates not only the quadriceps but also the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
    • Natural Movements: Many compound exercises mimic functional, real-life movements, ensuring a more comprehensive and functional development of muscles.
  • Increased Hormonal Response:
  • Testosterone and Growth Hormone Release: Compound exercises have been shown to stimulate a greater release of testosterone and growth hormone compared to isolation exercises. These hormones play a crucial role in muscle growth and overall body composition.
  • Efficient Time Use:
  • Work Multiple Areas at Once: With compound exercises, you can target several muscle groups in a single movement, allowing for more efficient workouts. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with time constraints.
  • Enhanced Strength and Power:
  • Improved Neuromuscular Coordination: Compound exercises require a higher degree of neuromuscular coordination as multiple muscle groups and joints are involved. This leads to improved overall strength and power development.
  • Caloric Expenditure:
  • Increased Energy Expenditure: Because compound exercises involve more muscle mass, they typically require more energy to perform. This increased energy expenditure can contribute to calorie burning, aiding in fat loss and body composition improvement.
  • Functional Fitness:
  • Real-world Applications: Compound movements often mirror activities of daily living and sports-related motions. This makes them valuable for enhancing functional fitness and reducing the risk of injury during daily activities or athletic performance.
  • Joint Stabilization:
  • Stabilizing Muscles Activation: Compound exercises engage stabilizing muscles, promoting joint stability and reducing the risk of imbalances or injuries. For instance, squats activate not only the major leg muscles but also the stabilizers around the knee and hip joints.

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  • Progressive Overload:
  • Easier to Apply Progressive Overload: Compound exercises allow for a more straightforward application of progressive overload, a fundamental principle of muscle growth. As you get stronger, you can progressively increase the resistance, promoting ongoing muscle development.
  • Versatility:
  • Adaptability to Various Goals: Whether you are focusing on strength, hypertrophy, or endurance, compound exercises can be adapted to different training goals. Modifications in volume, intensity, and rest periods make them versatile tools for a wide range of fitness objectives.

Incorporating compound exercises into your workout routine offers a holistic approach to muscle building, providing numerous physiological and practical benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced lifter, these exercises should form a foundational component of your training regimen for optimal muscle development and overall fitness.

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