[silverose1209]

When you do strength training how do you set up your routine..
Like you do triceps and biceps on one day and abs on one day? How does that work?
And if its like arms one day which particular muscles need to be covered..Triceps , biceps? Etc?
Anyway hope I am making sense..
Thanks
Amy

[Christina7806]

Well, I am no expert and I am sure others will post some good ideas but what I would suggest is a full body routine, especially if you are a beginner. Choose one exercise for each muscle group and start with one set of 12-15 reps for each. Work your way up to 3 sets. When you first start with weight training it is important, from what I have read, to "teach" your muscles how to lift weights. Once you have done that, for a month or two, then you can begin to focus on more weight and exercises for each body part and designing a split routine. So, my suggestion, would be 3 full body workouts a week. Good luck!!!!

[nelie]

I would suggest reading the sticky links here. One site not to miss is http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/index.php

I know there can be preferences in how you work out but I actually think a full body workout can be more discouraging than concentrating on different muscle groups.

I always liked the 4 day rotation which you can work out different muscle groups:

Push - Chest and triceps
Pull - Back and biceps
Legs - Hamstrings and Quads
"Other" - Shoulders, abs, calves

You can look at various websites and see what mix of muscle groups would work best for you.

I would recommend doing 3 sets with the last set reaching failure and generally the first set being a warmup set. You can mix and match and increase sets as you like. These days, I usually do 5 sets but I've done between 3-5 depending on my workout routine. I wouldn't recommend trying to reach failure at less than 8 reps but I personally like reaching failure somewhere between 8 to 12 on my last set.

It may take a bit of tweaking to see what works best for you.

[silverose1209]

Thanks Nelie..I was thinking I should divide it up that way because my 2 personal training seesions that is how she did it. I just wasnot sure how to set up my own routine.
I have been trying to read the stickys and have gotten TONS of info.. I really appreciate it.
Thanks
Amy