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Weight Loss 101, Part 3:

The BEST Workout Routine

Before we dive in, I want to make one thing clear: you don't NEED to workout to lose weight - it's still primarily about your calorie intake vs. maintenance calories. However, I highly recommend incorporating regular exercise, not just for weight loss but also the numerous other benefits of exercising and building strength. If you don't workout, you're being lazy.

You don't NEED it for weight loss...but c'mon…workout!

Choosing a routine is one of the most popular topics, especially for those just starting out. With access to so much social media and so many different opinions on what is best, it can become overwhelming trying to choose a routine. People are afraid that if they don’t choose the perfect routine, they’ll end up wasting time. And everyone online seems to think their routine is best. Combine that with all the clickbait titles like “The Best Workout Routine,” and it only adds to the overwhelming feeling for beginners.

When I started working out, I spent months - and I mean MONTHS - going through hundreds of workout routines, watching videos, reading studies, trying to understand the nuances of every single routine, movement, style of cardio, etc. I wanted to find the "perfect" routine before even starting.

Here’s what happened:

I tried everything. Powerlifting routines, 3-day splits, beginner workouts on bodybuilding.com, YouTube routines, calisthenics, CrossFit, Muay Thai, boxing, 4-day splits, 6-day splits...literally everything, all in hopes of finding that "perfect" routine.

What I found?

There’s no such thing. No routine is perfect.

The natural next question that comes to mind is:

The answer: The best or most perfect routine is the one you will follow and follow consistently. That's it.

When you go to the airport, do you ask the flight attendants, "Which airline will get me to New York best?" No, they'll think you're crazy. Every airline will get the job done. Maybe with differing qualities, but as long as the destination is New York and you get on the plane, you'll get there.

Sure, you could bring together every scientist, fitness expert, and even God to design the absolute most optimal routine. But if you don't follow that routine or don't follow it consistently, the person actually following the "less optimal" routine will outperform you and get better results every single time.

So, you need to find a routine that fits these criteria:

Enjoyable

You should enjoy the workouts enough to stick with them long-term. While factors like fatigue and stimulus matter, if you don't enjoy it, you won't do it.

Sustainable

It should fit into your schedule and lifestyle without causing burnout. If it's too disruptive or exhausting, you won't stick with it.

Effective

It should challenge you and help you progress toward your fitness goals. Understand your fitness goal, then work backwards to find a routine that meets that need and gets you there.

Flexible

It should allow for adjustments based on your progress and changing needs. You'll need to adjust as your goals change and your enjoyment of movements and routines evolve. It's normal and part of any journey.

Realistic

The routine should be achievable based on your current fitness level. Please, for the love of God, don't select an advanced routine if you don't even know where the machines are in your gym yet. Start slow and don't rush into anything too ambitious or potentially dangerous.

How do I find a routine?

I’ll keep this super simple for you:

1. You can personally DM me on X, and I'll guide you toward a routine you can start with.

2. You can look through some of these sources:

   1. Strength Training / Muscle Building

   2. Cardio and Conditioning

   3. Flexibility / Mobility

3. Google. You'll find millions of routines. Find the one that fits the criteria mentioned above, and you'll be good to go.

Remember, the goal is not to find the perfect routine but the routine that you'll stick to. The airline doesn't matter as long as you're boarded and heading in the right direction. (Corny, I know. You get the point.)

Thank you for joining me on today's newsletter.

If you found value from it and learned something that can help propel you forward on your own journey, please:

1. Share this with friends and family!

2. Chat with me on X!