Do what works best for you

There are literally thousands of different ways to perform a resistance training workout. The tricky part can sometimes be finding the routine that works best for you. Sometimes people find their best fit right away, whereas other people may spend quite a bit of time with trial and error. Everyone's fitness goals are different, just as everyone's body is different.

If there's one thing that I sort of take issue with when it comes to some exercise books, it's that the author is selling you the workout that works best for them. Granted, 9 out of 10 times that person is in fantastic shape, so they obviously know what they're talking about. The problem is, just because their workout seemingly did the trick for them, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will work for you, too. At least, not to the same degree.

For some people, a heavy lifting routine that incorporates low reps and long break periods may be exactly what they need to build a stronger and more massive physique. For people looking to lose fat and tone muscle, an exercise program that involves lifting lighter weights and with minimal rest time in between sets may be more adequately suited. And, someone who is looking for some sort of combination of these two goals, their best resistance training workout may consists of lifting moderately heavy weights for 8 to 12 reps per set, resting for approximately 60 to 90 seconds in between sets. Again, the combinations and mix-and-match possibilities are almost endless.

What I suggest is doing your due diligence; do a little research, but more importantly, take the time to determine which workout best suits your individual needs. This may or may not end up being the same workout as the person on the cover of the book or magazine, but that's perfectly okay. You'll just have to get into better shape than them and then write a book of your own!!