A personal trainer reveals how to put together the perfect gym routine to sculpt and tone your body

Many individuals find themselves motivated to begin a gym routine but struggle with direction once inside the facility. Without a pre-planned programme from a personal trainer or structured class, workouts can feel aimless. As gym fees and personal training costs become increasingly difficult to justify, finding accessible solutions for effective exercise is crucial.

Creating a Successful Gym Routine

According to Carol Impey, a personal trainer and manager at Anytime Fitness, a successful gym routine begins with clearly defined goals and an understanding of which muscle groups you want to target. Impey suggests splitting workouts into upper and lower body sessions, recommending beginners aim for at least two to three workouts per week.

Did You Know? For beginners, a minimum of two to three workouts per week is recommended to establish a consistent routine.

Impey advises selecting four to six exercises per session, focusing on the targeted muscle group. Resources like muscleandstrength.com offer exercise libraries with instructional videos categorized by body area. Familiarizing yourself with the gym’s equipment is also key; many machines now feature QR codes linking to demonstration videos.

To simplify the process, Impey recommends the “3 x 12 method” – three sets of 12 repetitions – with approximately 60 seconds of rest between sets, adjusting rest time as needed. Alternatively, individuals can leverage online workout resources, such as those found on YouTube. The You magazine team recommends channels like Growingannanas, Kayla Itsines, MadFit, Yoga with Adriene, Izzy Samuel, and Erin Sampson.

Expert Insight: Utilizing online resources and adapting exercises learned in classes to the gym floor provides a cost-effective way to build a personalized and effective workout routine.

Tracking progress is also essential. Impey suggests using a notebook or smartphone notes to record repetitions, sets, and perceived exertion levels (“too heavy,” “not heavy enough”). This data allows for gradual increases in weight or repetitions, facilitating measurable progress over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m unsure how to use a piece of gym equipment?

You can always speak to a member of the gym team if you are unsure of how to use anything, according to Carol Impey.

What is a good starting point for a gym routine?

For beginners, Carol Impey recommends planning at least two to three workouts per week, splitting them into upper and lower body sessions.

Are there online resources to help with workout ideas?

Yes, muscleandstrength.com has videos of exercises divided by body area, and YouTube channels like Growingannanas, Kayla Itsines, and MadFit offer guided workouts.

How might you adapt these suggestions to fit your own fitness level and goals?