Full body workouts are super popular with time crunched people who want results without the hassle but are they the best way to get fit, burn fat, and sculpt sexy curves? It all depends on your goals and whether your plan is customized to your body type. Here's how to make your full body workout work for you.
Make sure your workout targets your trouble zones first.
If you're a pear shape with major booty issues then taking more time to work upper body takes away from tightening and toning your glutes, inner thighs, and legs. The same goes for the six pack challenged. If you want great legs find workouts that target legs and include a few great upper body moves that create balance (i.e. pushups and rows). If you want great abs find workouts with exercises that work core the entire time whether you're working back, legs, or arms. If you need a better upper body then find workouts that focus on chest back and arms while simultaneously working legs.
Make sure your workouts is in sync with your goals.
Want to burn fat then make sure your including plenty of cardio bursts in your workout, i.e. jump rope, stair running, step ups, lateral hops, etc. If you want to build muslce make sure you are lifting enough weight and that your cardio is geared at burning fat and not muscle. If you want to lose weight and be more flexible be sure to include intense circuits that include a few different 60 second stretch intervals.
Make sure your workout is challenging but fun
When you're loving your workout then you're more likely to stick to it and consistency is the key to getting results. Most workouts that are great for your body type include exercises that you hate so that's why it's important to include as many exercises that you love. Hate lunges but love curls then do both together. Hate crunches but love working upper body then try medicine ball crunches instead. Hate pushups but love being on the ball then opt for a modified pushup.
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 DB press with isometric lunge 1. Start by holding the Dumbells at shoulder level. 2. Proceed into a lunge position and hold this position throughout movement. 3. While in the lunge position press the dumbells above your head for the recommended repetitions. 4. You can switch your legs halfway between the set or switch them on your next set. Trainer's comments: Awesome way to get some leg work in while primarily working upper body. |
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 Prone Pull Ins on Ball Start Position: Roll out on the ball so that your shins are on the ball and you are supported by your hands in a table top position. Pull the ball using your feet towards your chest. While doing this bend your elbows in a pushup fashion. Return to starting position. Trainer's comments: Great way to adapt a pushup to make it more fun or more core oriented. Try less reps and more sets. |
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 Alternating Aerobic Lunge 1. This can be high or low impact. Stand on the ball and take left foot diagonally behind you, punching left arm across the body. Bring the foot back and switch legs. 2. For high impact, begin with your foot on top, other foot lunging back. Jump up and switch so that the other food lands in the middle of the BOSU and the other foot lunges. 3. Repeat for desired repetitions. Trainer's comments: Great way to add quick cardio burst to a full body workout. Can be done with a step or without equipment too. |
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