If you re looking to build muscle and improve your overall fitness you may be wondering whether a push pull legs PPL or full body workout is the better option Both are popular workout routines but which one is right for you In this article we ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of each approach .
If you're looking to build muscle and improve your overall fitness, you may be wondering whether a push pull legs (PPL) or full body workout is the better option. Both are popular workout routines, but which one is right for you? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the pros and cons of each approach.
Table of Contents
- What is Push Pull Legs?
- What is Full Body?
- How to Do Push Pull Legs
- How to Do Full Body
- Pros and Cons of Push Pull Legs
- Pros and Cons of Full Body
- Tips for Choosing the Right Workout
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
What is Push Pull Legs?
Push pull legs is a workout routine that focuses on training different muscle groups on different days. On "push" days, you'll focus on exercises that work your chest, shoulders, and triceps. On "pull" days, you'll focus on exercises that work your back, biceps, and forearms. Finally, on "legs" days, you'll focus on exercises that work your lower body, including your quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
The idea behind PPL is that by focusing on specific muscle groups each day, you can give those muscles more attention and allow them to recover better. This can lead to better gains in strength and muscle mass over time.
What is Full Body?
Full body workouts, as the name suggests, involve training your entire body in a single workout session. This approach typically involves compound exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once, such as squats, deadlifts, and bench press.
The idea behind full body workouts is that they allow you to work each muscle group more frequently compared to PPL. By training your entire body in each workout, you can stimulate muscle growth and improve overall fitness more efficiently.
How to Do Push Pull Legs
Here's an example PPL workout routine:
Push Day
- Bench press
- Overhead press
- Incline dumbbell press
- Lateral raises
- Tricep pushdowns
Pull Day
- Deadlifts
- Pull-ups
- Barbell rows
- Dumbbell curls
- Forearm curls
Legs Day
- Squats
- Lunges
- Leg press
- Calf raises
- Hamstring curls
For each exercise, aim to do 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.
How to Do Full Body
Here's an example full body workout routine:
- Squats
- Bench press
- Deadlifts
- Barbell rows
- Overhead press
- Pull-ups
- Lunges
- Calf raises
For each exercise, aim to do 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.
Pros and Cons of Push Pull Legs
Pros
- Allows for more focused training on specific muscle groups
- May lead to better gains in strength and muscle mass for those who are new to weightlifting
- May be easier to recover from compared to full body workouts
Cons
- May not be as efficient for experienced lifters who require more volume and frequency
- Requires more time commitment compared to full body workouts
- May not be as effective for overall fitness compared to full body workouts
Pros and Cons of Full Body
Pros
- Allows for more frequent training of each muscle group
- May lead to better overall fitness compared to PPL
- Requires less time commitment compared to PPL
Cons
- May be more challenging to recover from compared to PPL
- May not allow for as much focused training on specific muscle groups compared to PPL
- May not be as effective for beginners who require more time to learn proper form and technique
Tips for Choosing the Right Workout
When it comes to choosing the right workout routine, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Consider your fitness goals
- Assess your fitness level
- Think about your time commitment
- Listen to your body and adjust your routine accordingly
FAQ
Is PPL or full body better for building muscle?
Both PPL and full body workouts can be effective for building muscle, but it ultimately depends on your individual needs and fitness goals. If you're new to weightlifting, PPL may be a good place to start. If you're more experienced and require more volume and frequency, full body workouts may be a better option.
Can you do PPL and full body workouts together?
It's not recommended to do both PPL and full body workouts together, as this can lead to overtraining and injury. It's best to choose one workout routine and stick with it consistently.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to do PPL or full body workouts, the most important thing is to stay consistent and listen to your body. With the right approach and mindset, you can achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health and well-being.
