How to Create Your Own Full Body Workout Routine in Less Than 2 Hours
How to Create Your Own Full Body Workout Routine in Less Than 2 Hours
Finding the time to work out can feel impossible for busy professionals. Between work, family, and social commitments, the thought of fitting in a gym session can be overwhelming. But what if you could design a full-body workout routine that fits into your schedule and addresses your fitness goals—all in less than two hours? This guide will empower you to create a personalized workout routine that you can do at home, with minimal equipment and space.
Quick Stats Box:
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Equipment Needed: Yoga mat (optional), light dumbbells (5-10 lbs optional)
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Calories Burned: Approximately 300-500 calories depending on intensity
Prerequisites
Before diving into your workout routine, you should have a clear understanding of your fitness goals. Are you looking to build strength, improve endurance, or enhance flexibility? Knowing this will guide your exercise selection and set the foundation for your workout.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Your Routine
1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Start with a dynamic warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints.
- Arm Circles: 30 seconds (15 seconds forward, 15 seconds backward)
- Leg Swings: 30 seconds (15 seconds each leg)
- High Knees: 30 seconds
- Bodyweight Squats: 1 minute
- Torso Twists: 1 minute
2. Select Your Exercises
Choose 5-7 exercises that target major muscle groups. Here’s a sample list to get you started:
| Exercise Name | Reps/Duration | Sets | Rest | Form Cue | Modification | |-------------------------|---------------|------|--------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------| | Push-Ups | 10-15 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Keep your body straight | Knee push-ups | | Bodyweight Squats | 15-20 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Push through your heels | Box squats (squat to a chair) | | Plank | 30-45 seconds | 3 | 45 seconds | Keep your body in a straight line | Knee plank | | Bent-over Dumbbell Rows | 10-12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Squeeze your shoulder blades | Use water bottles instead of dumbbells | | Glute Bridges | 15 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | Squeeze at the top for 2 seconds | Single-leg glute bridge | | Mountain Climbers | 30 seconds | 3 | 45 seconds | Drive your knees to your chest | Step instead of jump | | Bicycle Crunches | 15 reps each side | 3 | 45 seconds | Keep your lower back pressed into the mat | Regular crunches |
3. Workout Summary Table
Here’s a quick overview of your workout routine:
| Exercise | Reps | Sets | Rest | |----------------------------|------------|------|--------------| | Push-Ups | 10-15 | 3 | 45 seconds | | Bodyweight Squats | 15-20 | 3 | 45 seconds | | Plank | 30-45 sec | 3 | 45 seconds | | Bent-over Dumbbell Rows | 10-12 | 3 | 45 seconds | | Glute Bridges | 15 | 3 | 45 seconds | | Mountain Climbers | 30 sec | 3 | 45 seconds | | Bicycle Crunches | 15 each | 3 | 45 seconds |
4. Cool Down (3-5 minutes)
Finish your workout with a cool-down to help your muscles recover.
- Standing Forward Bend: 1 minute
- Child’s Pose: 1 minute
- Seated Hamstring Stretch: 1 minute (30 seconds each leg)
- Cat-Cow Stretch: 1 minute
5. Complete in: 90 minutes
This routine, including warm-up and cool-down, will take about 90 minutes to complete.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Creating your own full-body workout routine allows you to customize your fitness journey to fit your busy lifestyle. Aim to do this routine 2-3 times a week, ensuring you have rest days in between for muscle recovery. As you progress, consider increasing the weight of your dumbbells or adding more reps and sets for a greater challenge.
If you're looking for real-time feedback and personalized coaching, consider booking a session with a certified trainer. This can enhance your form and effectiveness, making your workouts even more efficient.
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