What are the advantages of doing a Total Body Weight Workout Versus a Body Part Split?

[heidi36]

I was just wondering, what are the advantages of doing a Total Body Weight workout versus a body part split (i.e, MIS or Firm Total Body Weights versus PS Bodypart Tapes OR a Upper and Lower Body Splits) on alternate days. Do the Total Body Weight workouts promote more of a cardiovascular benefit as opposed to muscle/strengh gains. Thanks

 

[RhiannonW]

Great question! I want to know too.

 

[naughtoj]

I don't think Total Body produces any better cardio benefits. It is just a matter of how many times a week you want to work a body part. Total body can only be done every other day. It also involves all the biggest muscle groups every time you lift so that is a little metabolic advantage. However, if you were to do Upper and Lower on different days, you might be able to squeeze in more exercises for each part. But more is not always better, so I don't personally think there is much of a difference at all.

I prefer Total Body. Unless I have a really weak part, most of my body can recover in two days...Just my opinion...

Janice

 

[Shaz]

For maximum strength gains, a split (eg, 2, 3, or 4-way) enables you to spend more time and energy on each muscle. During one week, a bodybuilder looking to gain as much muscle as possible might work legs one day, chest and triceps another, back and biceps another, and shoulders and abs another. There are lots of other possibilities, but the point is to work each muscle to exhaustion, then rest and feed (and grow) that muscle for a week.

Total body workouts still induce strength and muscle size gains, but not to such a great degree. If fairly fast paced (eg Power Hour, MIS), then they work endurance as well.

Sharon.

 

[heidi36]

Thanks. That's just the information I was looking for