this post was submitted on 28 Jan 2025
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Fitness

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Is it okay to switch up exercises in a routine? (self.fitness)
submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by Grogon to c/fitness
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Hey!

I am currently doing an upper/ lower body split. So I do upper body monday, tuesday lower body, wednesday light cardio and so on.

While I don't want to switch up things on lower body I want to learn to do pullups but I cant do them yet.

I am currently doing these for upper body:

  1. Pull ups (2x) and 8 negative pull ups
  2. Push ups
  3. Inverted rows (bodyweight)
  4. Back extension machine
  5. Biceps curls
  6. Triceps pushdowns

This I would do on monday. On thursday I'd just do lat pulldowns instead of pull ups and benchpress on the machine instead of push ups. On sunday I'd do some seated cable rows instead of Inverted rows with bodyweight... Maybe even do some back exercise with T-Bar and no inverted rows and no cable rows.

Is this a bad idea?

Wondering if I should just keep doing the same exercises and just increase weight? Seems easier, but it's kind of boring to me.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 days ago

If what you're asking is if it's fine to not have identical upper body days within a week, then yes. There should be some consistency from week to week though.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 days ago

It's fine to switch it up, gives the body time to rest/heal a muscle group while you work/rip another. I need to get off my duff and start again, and when I do, it will be upper/lower alternated.

[–] FlashMobOfOne 2 points 4 days ago

It's generally better to stick to a routine and just increase resistance; however, if you're more likely to enjoy your physical activity by switching it up, I'd say that's what you should do. The hard part for most people is finding something they can enjoy and use to build those habits, and it sounds like you know what works for you.

Just, you know, also listen to your body and take care of yourself if the new routine is causing any kind of physical problems.