Last Updated on June 10, 2016 by Michael Brockbank
Finding the best workout routine can be a subjective topic. The most effective routine for one person may not be that beneficial for another. I could say that my basic mix routine is the best way to get an overall workout for 20 minutes. However, this statement centers around personal experience. You might not find it very useful. All anyone can really do is describe what works for them as the best way to exercise.
How to Find the Best Workout Routine
In reality, any exercise beyond what your currently doing is going to be ideal. If you’re new to fitness, then walking up and down the stairs in your home five more times in a day is going to benefit your overall health. Discovering methods that are best for you may require a bit of trial and error until you get set in your own groove. This is why I suggest people add their own exercises to the routines I set up on this website.
What are your goals?
Your ultimate goals will be the biggest contributor to finding the best workout routines for yourself. Do you want to bulk up the muscle mass or just lose a few extra pounds? Personally, I want to do a little bit of the first and a lot of the second. This means I’d want to include more activities that increase the heart rate and a few that include weight training.
How much time do you have to commit to a fitness schedule?
Time constraints are going to be a big factor as well. If you don’t have time to commit to a fitness schedule, you’re more likely to fail. Finding time to work out isn’t all that difficult as you could squeeze in a short 10 minute routine after you wake up in the morning or a short one at night. You could probably even do both if you’re committed to a healthier lifestyle.
How active are you currently in your everyday life?
Your current physical activity may play some part in finding the best workout routine. If you are very physically active throughout the day, then you may just need to monitor your food intake better. Since I spend nearly 16 hours a day in front of a computer, I need to increase my physical activity quite a bit. However, this is also going to be subjected to your fitness goals.
Do you have medical conditions that can prevent certain activities or diets?
One thing I’ve seen a lot of people not take into consideration is their person medical conditions. If you have arthritis, lifting weights may not be the most ideal without suffering through a ton of pain. Heart conditions can also be a factor as increasing your pulse rate may put you at risk for a heart attack. Make sure you’re aware of your physical limitations when it comes to setting up a routine.
Are you easily distracted or become quickly bored by things that feel monotonous?
My family and I call this the “Goldfish Effect.” Some people are easily distracted or can become bored by the same workout routines day after day. This is one of the reasons why I try to mix it up as often as possible. For example, I love doing planks. But if I start feeling like its a chore, then I’ll switch it up to lying leg raises or another ab workout. It’s all about keeping yourself engaged in the routine over time. Fitness shouldn’t feel like a chore.
How much can you invest in equipment and other workout goods?
Money constraints is another factor to consider when looking for the best workout routine. I don’t have a lot of money to invest in things like gym memberships or high-tech gear. I can afford a set of 10-pound dumbbells, which means most of my weight training at home includes dumbbell routines. If you have the money to invest in equipment for better health, by all means, buy it. Just makes sure it’s not going to sit there for several months untouched.
Customizing the Best Workout Routine for You
I don’t believe that anyone can say with certainty that any workout routine is better than the other. Remember, it’s all about personal experience. The best way to discover the things that work for you is by trying new exercises. I didn’t think I was going to like planks before I tried them. Now, it’s one of my favorite exercises. Customization is key when looking for the best method for you to get into shape.
Discover New Exercises
There are literally thousands of exercises on the Internet. If you take the time to discover them, you could learn that you love doing one type over another. The best part is that many of these websites will separate exercises by type allowing you to find routines that work on specific muscle groups. You could find a long list of ab exercises if that’s all your concerned with.
Make a Plan Before You Start
Before you start any exercise routine, you may find it useful to make a plan. Take the time to read and learn how to do certain exercises before you get started. This can help you keep a schedule while making the experience more beneficial by understanding how to do the exercise. I like to plan my routines a week in advance. If I accomplish all of my exercise goals from Monday through Friday, then I relish in the feeling of accomplishment.
A Few Suggestions for Your Routine
While it may be a good idea to customize your own best workout routine, there is nothing wrong with getting a few ideas from 
others. I’ve modified popular routines before in order to fit my personal physique and fitness goals. Here are a few ideas that may help you get started.
Cardio Workout Routines
In my experience, cardio workouts burn the most fat and help you lose the most weight over a shorter period of time. These are probably what you want to include if you want to purely lose weight. A few examples are:
- Swimming
- Walking, running or bicycling
- Playing the Xbox Kinect – yes, there is such a thing as weight-loss gaming
Dumbbell Weight Training
I like dumbbells because they are cheap and can be quite versatile when working out. There is a long list of exercises you can do with these wieghts that can be very beneficial for fitness. Here are a few ways you can get the most out of them:
- curls
- military press
- tricep extension
Scheduling Times
Scheduling is an imporant aspect to find the best workout routine for you. It needs to be set at a time where you can complete your exercises without feeling rushed or being interupted. These are some of the times I use in order to get a bit of work in:
- Right after I get up in the morning
- Right after I get home from work
- Right after the kids go to bed at night
Session Duration
The length of time you dedicate to exercise will impact how much weight you lose and how much strength you gain. While you can do intense shorter workouts, you need to make sure it’s a routine that you can sustain for the next few months. Keep in mind that you’ll burn far more fat over time. I enjoy playing the Kinect Tennis game for about 30 minutes per session. So far, it’s been the most effective workout I’ve done for calorie burn aside from swimming.
Don’t assume that you’ll find the perfect method for fitness from day one. It may take a bit of time to discover the best workout routine for your needs. As long as your determined and open to trying new exercises, I have no doubt that you’ll eventually find one that fits your lifestyle. Explore your abilities and discover your own potential for optimal fitness.
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