We constantly see ads for the “perfect workout plan,” but is there such a thing? The simple answer is
no. Everyone is different, so what may work for one person may not work for another. That’s why it’s
important to have an individualized workout plan.
You can get a personal trainer to help you with this, but it’s not always necessary. There are plenty of
resources (such as books and websites) which can help you to determine which exercises are best for
you, depending on your body type, interests, fitness goals and fitness level.
What’s Your Body Type?
The reality is that your body type matters when it comes to exercising. You may be aware of the three
main body types: ectomorph, endomorph and mesomorph. You should note that most of us are a
mixture of these body types. You should determine what body type you are before attempting to create
a workout plan, as it will help you to get the most out of your session.
For example, if you are an ectomorph (someone with a thin build), your body isn’t naturally made for
high-intensity weight-training. The opposite is true for mesomorphs. So, ectomorphs should start off
slowly and keep things simple. That way, they won’t burn out. Doing otherwise could actually reduce
their muscle mass.
Your Interests Matter
If you do a generalized workout designed for the masse, it might seem like a chore to you. And why
force yourself to do something you don’t like? This may lead to skipping some days, delaying your
weight loss further.
So, it’s recommended that you do what you love when it comes to exercising. If you’re passionate about
what you’re doing, you’ll have a lot more fun and actually look forward to working out, as opposed to
dreading it.
If you love dancing, why not do that instead? If you’re a tennis fan, join a club which allows you to play
with others at your level. If you’re a competitive person, join a sports team. It’ll give your workouts
more meaning and you’ll be so much more motivated to get out and do these things, allowing you to
meet your fitness goals faster.
Reaching Your Fitness Goals
What are your fitness goals? Are you looking to get a six-pack? Do you want to tone your legs? Think
about what you want to achieve in the next six to 12 months. There must be a reason you’re working
out, even if it’s simply to get your heart rate up for an hour each day.
This is why customizing your workout plan to meet your personal fitness goals matters—you can focus
on exercises which target the areas you want to tone or strengthen. It will also help you to determine
how often you need to work out and what type of exercises you need to do (resistance, cardiovascular
etc.) to get the results you desire. After all, what sense does it make to follow a common plan when it
doesn’t do what you need it to do? You won’t get the results you want and this may discourage you
from continuing to work out.
Working Out At Your Fitness Level
Does that generic workout DVD you picked up at the store know that you have asthma or an injury?
Does it know that you aren’t flexible? Is it aware of your safe zone for heart rate? No, it doesn’t. If you
follow a non-customized workout plan, you may end up hurting yourself.
You should be doing exercises that are challenging enough for you to burn calories and gain other
benefits, but not so challenging that you simply cannot do them (or risk injuring yourself by attempting
to do them).
In order to create an effective fitness plan, you’ll need to determine whether you’re a beginner,
intermediate or advanced exerciser. You’ll also need to know your maximum heart rate and target heart
rate. Once you take these things into consideration, you can choose the right exercises and intensity
levels for you.