Full Body Workout or Split Routine?

Kevin answers the perennial fitness question.

By Kevin Valluzzi

Q:Hi, I've recently started to work out. What I'm really trying to do is work the lower half of my body (i.e.,  stomach, hips, thighs, and the booty). What are some exercises you can recommend? And is it a good idea to target a different section every time you work out? I have a gym membership and try to go 3-5 days a week. I am 5'3 with a heavier build, and am trying to slim down. What are your suggestions? - Krystal    



A: Hi Krystal, thanks for a great question. Lots of women want to know the merits of doing a full-body routine or one that splits the body parts into different workouts (i.e., back and biceps one day, shoulders and legs the next day, etc.). The simple and best answer is go for the full-body routine. If the goal is fat loss and improved physical fitness, you'll get much more out of targeting every muscle in your body with every workout.
I recommend that you don't do exercises that just specifically target one muscle. In other words, don't do leg extensions that only target the front of the legs. Try doing squats and lunges which will target the entire leg. You will also get much more of a calorie-burn effect when you do those types of exercises. Some other exercises to consider for a full body routine are step-ups, chest presses, rows, push-ups, dead lifts etc. Also notice that most of these exercises are not done on machines. You are using dumbbells or your own bodyweight. Thus, you are moving your full body through the entire movement. You can't get that from sitting down on a machine.
Combine the above recommendations with some Interval training for your cardio, and it will only be a matter of weeks before you start to notice some changes!
Kevin Valluzzi is a fitness professional and is the author of the highly successful e-book, Busy Woman Fitness.