fun little question for the knowledgeable

[goingtowin]

How important really is strict routine?? I'm not talking going from a push pull to a full body every other week.. I mean exercises.. for example say i'm doing a 6 day a week push pull

mon-push chest tris and shoulders (priority chest)
tues-pull Back bis and traps
wed-legs
thurs-off
fri-push shoulders chest and tris (priority shoulders)
sat-pull back bis and traps
sun-legs

how important is it that i'm doing the EXACT same routine and exercises each time I go in? Is there really any disadvantage to going in and doing your heavy compounds first and really using isolation movements to just really work your muscles down for the rest of the workout. Does it HAVE to be the same exercises every time you go in? Everyone seems to follow this on most bodybuilding forums but i'm not sure why. Anyone want to explain? (other than keeping track of strength progression because I really don't care how much I can fly or curl)

 

[halfwit]

I prefer compound movements before isolation because it pre-exhausts individual groups, but beyond that - it's all preference.

I have tried a bazillion different approaches, and really enjoy a 5 day split. I then repeat two groups on days 6 and 7 on whatever I feel is lagging. I often switch things up, but I do keep with my "core" exercises as I still get the most out of them at this time. I find that having a set routine helps with keeping time management easier as you're not trying to figure out what's next, but random can help with muscle confusion.

In the end, it's all about what YOU notice works best. If there were a one-size-fits-all approach, I assure you I'd be kicking less retards off the squat racks and cable towers.

My .02c

 

[Mountain-Man]

I change my routine. Up every time

 

[Teutonic]

I m w MM..and HW. I try ..try to do compounds first and then site specifics.

BUT..darn it, injuries often dictate what I can vs want to do..I don t care about impressing with mega weight. Those day s are over. And I invariably do pre exhaust training every 3 or 4 time...that way 135 on incline bench is a bear to do 15 -20 if you ve done heavy stuff first.
And I often tailor my routine to keep the Anavar twin s in sight if they are training. Smoking hot..
The key to all this--------never stop. Keep going. Do what u can but keep it up.

 

[Megatron28]

I change my routine. Up every time

So you do crossfit?

 

[Mountain-Man]

No I just change my arm or back exercise rountein like one time heavy and preachers next time light big reps and hammers keep muscles guessing

 

[carverelli]

I'll change up back routines and leg routines every other workout for those two groups. IMO the back needs to be attacked with different angles and exercise for full development. With that said, I always include at least on overhead Lat exercise and several row variants. I tried a machine last month I've never used and the soreness I got in my lower lats made me add it to my repertoire

 

[Roush]

sticking to your EXACT routine day in and day out is completely unnecessary . in fact, making adjustments often is beneficial, thats why periodization programs are effective, and daily undulating periodization programs allow for the trainee to train based on how he is feeling the 'day of'.

once you know what works for you and what muscle groups and exercises provide the best resistance, pump, etc. then instinctive training is an option as well. That said I still believe training within certain time based mesocycles is best (something to monitor progress over a period of time)

 

[Teutonic]

plus it s boring....

 

[luckypaul]

I like to throw in different exercises in my workouts. I do keep core lifts though, like incline bench, low rows and squats. Everything else I switch around. It keeps things fun. Training should be enjoyable, go into the pain.

 

[Mrrippedzilla]

Sticking to a programme is important, the variables with the programme (rest periods, exercises, volume, etc) can be altered provided your actually tracking everything & have justifiable reasons for the changes you make.

IMO if your not tracking everything and/or just changing shit randomly, then your sessions are a waste of time