Effective 7-Day Workout Routine: Strength and Cardio
You'll want to find a well-balanced workout routine you can stick to to reap the benefits of physical activity. The benefits of having a regular workout plan include boosting your mood, decreasing your heart disease risk, and helping with sleep.1
Workout Schedule
Romano and Gam designed this seven-day workout plan that will help you develop a regular exercise routine. Here's what each day of the schedule entails:
- Monday: Cardio
- Tuesday: Lower body
- Wednesday: Upper body and core
- Thursday: Active rest and recovery
- Friday: Lower body with a focus on glutes
- Saturday: Upper body
- Sunday: Rest and recovery
Warming Up and Cooling Down
Spend five to 10 minutes warming up before each workout to prevent injury. Try doing dynamic stretches, such as butt kicks and high knees, to get the blood flowing to your muscles and move your joints. End your workout with a cool down by stretching your muscles or taking a slow walk to safely bring your heart rate back to normal.
Upper/Lower Splits
You'll do four muscle-strengthening sessions in this sample workout plan: two upper-body and two lower-body days per week. Stick to the same exercises for each of those workouts, gradually boosting the weights and reps as you grow stronger.
Progressive Overload
Romano recommended progressive overload, or doing the same exercises but challenging yourself with heavier weights or more reps. Start with 10 reps for three sets, with a minute of rest between each set for each exercise.
Ten reps is the ideal range for a beginner, said Romano. You might compromise your form if you go over, and you will not become as familiar with the move if you go under. The key is to increase your weight if an exercise feels too easy so you can challenge your muscles.
The Importance of Stretching
Many people often skimp on stretching. Flexibility, however, is key for maintaining the range of motion in your joints and preventing injuries.4
Hold each of the following stretches for 30 seconds and then repeat on the opposite side:
- Calf stretch: Steady yourself against a wall, flexing your right foot upward so your toes rest against the wall. Move closer to the wall until you feel a stretch.
- Hamstring stretch: Lie down on the floor next to a wall. Raise your right leg, resting your heel against the wall. Straighten your leg until you feel a stretch.
- Hip flexor stretch: Place a towel under your left knee, kneeling on the floor. Place your right foot in front of you, bending your right knee. Shift your hips forward until you feel a stretch, placing your weight onto your right leg.
- Shoulder stretch: Hold your right arm over your chest with your left arm.
- Quad stretch: Steady yourself by holding on to a wall or the back of a chair. Grab your right ankle, pulling your heel up and back to your butt. Keep your knees pressed together.
Don't Forget Nutrition
A regular workout routine, in addition to a balanced diet, is essential to overall health. Eating a nutrient-rich diet helps lower your risk of several chronic illnesses, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Make sure that you get enough carbs, healthy fats, and protein to satisfy your appetite and keep you energized.
Here are some tips for a balanced diet:
- Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
- Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Ensure you eat enough calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients.
- Limit your added sugar, alcohol, salt, and saturated fat intakes.
- Opt for lean meats, poultry, and fish over red meat.
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