Introductory Session Contents
 
Your Exercise Prescription
Muscular Strength/Endurance Work

Warm-Up first.

Frequency:

  • 2-3x/week (total body workouts) or
  • 4-6x/week (split workouts)

Intensity: For toning and muscle endurance, perform between 8-12 repetitions at 60-80% of 1 rep max. For greater strength and size increases, perform 6-8 repetitions. Progressive fatigue should result in difficulty performing last 2-3 repetitions achieving temporary muscle failure.

Time: Exercise 8-10 major muscle groups/1-2 sets per group. If a beginner, begin with 1 set for the first 4 to 6 weeks.

Type: Begin with machines and transition to free-weights if desired.

Major Muscle Groups
 
Chest
Upper Back
Biceps
Triceps
Gluteals
Abdominals
Lower Back
Quadriceps
Hamstrings
Gastrocnemius
  • Cool-down for at least 5 minutes post training
  • For maximum benefits, flexibility exercises should be performed following exercise
  • Allow 48 hours between training sessions, but not more than 72 hours.
     

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US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine.