Bad programming

[Shadowschmadow]

Originally Posted by Chillen

For me its the total package and whether the individual particulars are questioned and addressed, volume, frequency, number of sets, exercises being used, and.....whether its progression sensetive.

This just about covers it. Personally, I see a lot of people using lifting methods not suited for their goals.

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by glwanabe

1. Number of movements
2. the movements themselves
3. the order of the movements
4. the set rep scheme
5. the experience level of the lifter

This is a nice categorisation.

My indicators of a bad routine are:
1. few/no lower body heavy compounds
2. more machines than free weights
3. more than 4 routines per week
4. more than 25 sets per routine
5. more than 4 sets per exercise
6. more than 15 reps per set

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Pull14

Progression is obvious. Without explaining how to progress the lifter will probably fail to move to forward.

This is usually lacking from most workouts. The magazines rarely talk about progression when providing a workout split. It's almost like they are training people to fail.

[Shadowschmadow]

Well if it doesn't work, maybe they'll keep buying the magazine.

[Kuytrider]

Originally Posted by Fazc

Excellent posts by all; but this for me is the one I see time and time again.



If there is either no clear goal, or far too many goals. Both are as bad as the other.

A training routine can be as complex and voluminous as you like, but most guys would do well to simplify their goals.

You're right. Personally speaking, I have spent far too long dilly-dallying and going between doing X, Y, Z, A, B and C or else not knowing what exactly is the plan. Overthinking might well be a lifter's biggest enemy.