Strength training is an important part of overall wellness, offering a wide range of benefits such as improved muscular strength and endurance, greater stability and balance, and better posture. It can also help reduce the risk of injuries, aid weight loss efforts and even boost athletes’ performance.
One of the most popular strength training strategies is a push-pull workout, which is designed to alternate between muscle groups for maximum efficiency. This article will provide an overview of push-pull workouts including the associated benefits, considerations, and sample workouts.
What are Push-Pull Workouts?
Push-pull workouts are a type of strength training where you alternate between pushing motions, such as chest presses and tricep extensions, and pulling motions, like rows or pull-ups. The idea behind push-pull workouts is two-fold. One, it is designed to save time by alternating muscle groups from opposite sides of the body, to avoid working the same muscle group twice in one workout. The second reason is to use a balanced approach to overall muscle development, as pushing and pulling movements generally work antagonist muscles.
What are the Benefits of Push-Pull Workouts?
Push-pull workouts can offer a number of benefits to strength trainees. Here is a look at some of the potential benefits of this type of workout:
● Improved Recovery: Working opposing muscle groups provides adequate rest for each muscle to fully recover. This means that you are able to work out more frequently without risking injury or overtraining.
● Increased Muscular Growth: Alternating between pushing and pulling exercises can ensure that more than one muscle group is being worked out per workout. This can help with muscle growth compared to working out one muscle group at a time.
● Faster Workouts: As mentioned previously, push-pull workouts can save time because the same muscle group is not worked twice in one workout. This can mean a faster workout and more time to do other activities.
What Should Be Considered When Implementing Push-Pull Workouts?
When doing push-pull workouts, there are a few things to consider as you plan and design your workout routine.
● Rep Range: You will want to make sure that you are using a rep range which is suitable for your goals. For example, if you are looking to increase your maximal strength, you may want to opt for low-rep sets with heavy weights.
● Variations: Make sure to include a variety of push-pull exercises to work all of the muscle groups and to target different muscle fibers.
● Rest: Make sure to give your muscles plenty of rest between exercises. Taking an extra minute or two of rest can help prepare your muscles for the next set.
Sample Push-Pull Workouts
Here are some sample push-pull workouts to help you get started:
Beginner:
● Chest Press 3 x 8-10
● Rows 3 x 8-10
● Hammer Curls 3 x 10-12
● Lat Pulldowns 3 x 10-12
● Shoulder Press 3 x 10-12
● Bicep Curls 3 x 10-12
Intermediate:
● Chest Press 4 x 6-8
● Rows 4 x 6-8
● Barbell Curls 4 x 6-8
● Lat Pulldowns 4 x 6-8
● Hammer Curls 4 x 10-12
● DB Shoulder Press 4 x 6-8
● Cable Tricep Extensions 4 x 10-12
Advanced:
● Incline Bench Press 5 x 4-6
● Seated Rows 5 x 4-8
● Seated Hammer Curls 5 x 10-12
● Chin-Ups 5 x 4-6
● Overhead Press 5 x 4-6
● DB Bicep Curls 5 x 10-12
● Reverse Grip Pressdowns 5 x 10-12
Push-pull workouts can be an effective way to improve performance and enhance overall muscle development. This type of workout splits up muscle groups into two parts, pushing and pulling, to provide a balanced form of strength training. Benefits may include improved recovery, increased muscle growth, and faster workouts. It is important to consider the rep range, variations, and rest period when designing your workouts. And finally, sample workouts for beginners, intermediates, and advanced strength trainees have been outlined to get started.
