Push Pull Legs vs Full Body for New Lifters
The debate of push pull legs vs full body for new lifters is everywhere lately and I want to get some real opinions from the community. I have been coaching people in Manchester for years and I usually start them on full body.
However, I see a lot of people jumping straight into a 6 day PPL split because they saw a fitness influencer doing it. I think that is way too much volume for someone who just started.
A full body routine allows for more recovery time which is where the muscle actually grows. But I admit that PPL can be more fun because you get to focus on specific areas each day.
What worked best for you when you first started? Did you find that you got bored with full body or was the frequency of PPL too exhausting? I am curious to see what the consensus is here.
Full body is definitely the way to go for new lifters. It helps build a solid foundation and you hit each muscle group more frequently. Hard to argue with that.
I agree with CoachCelestine. As a new lifter, focus on compound movements and consistency. Full body routines make it easier to learn the movements without feeling overwhelmed. PPL can be too much volume per session for beginners.
philosopher
I started with PPL because a friend recommended it, and I found it really hard to recover. Switched to a full body split after a month and saw much better progress. So, my vote is for full body, hands down.
For new lifters, the goal should be to build strength and learn proper form. Full body workouts allow for higher frequency on main lifts. PPL can lead to chasing the "pump" over actual strength gains, which is not ideal for beginners.
PumpChaser
It really depends on the individual. Some new lifters adapt quickly to higher volume and can handle PPL, especially if they have some athletic background. But for the absolute beginner, full body is generally safer.
Droz
I love the idea of PPL for more advanced lifters, but as a newbie, I found full body much more manageable. Three days a week, full body, then rest and recover. Simple and effective.
BigArvin
As a trainer, I always start new clients on a full body routine for at least 3-6 months. It allows them to develop overall strength, coordination, and a better understanding of their body before moving to more advanced splits like PPL.
ArnoldS
Full body is not just for beginners! Many advanced lifters still use full body routines for strength maintenance or to focus on specific lifts. It is a versatile approach.
The best plan is the one you stick to. However, for a brand new person, full body is less intimidating and easier to manage. PPL can feel like a lot of exercises per session, leading to burnout.
I think we are largely agreeing here that full body is optimal for new lifters. The frequency, recovery, and simplicity are unmatched. PPL has its place, but not usually at the very beginning.
AllOkJumpmaster