Is There Really a Superior Workout Routine?
Enough with comparing routines without scientific basis—or with misused science.
Is There Really a Superior Workout Routine?
We’ve all heard it:
“Bro, this routine is better because it kills me,” “this new program is the best thing I’ve done,” “your routine is different than mine, so it must be worse.”
This kind of talk is everywhere in the gym. But what does science actually say? Is there really just one right way to train?
How to Choose Your Routine #1 – "What Do You Enjoy?"
The foundation of your training shouldn’t be something you dread. And no—you don’t have to blindly follow your coach or some fitness influencer. Your routine should start with a simple question: What do you enjoy?
Why? For one simple reason: ADHERENCE.
Progress in training depends on how long you can stick to something. The more consistent you are, the more your body adapts, and the stronger you become.
A study on older adults showed an adherence rate of over 95% when the program matched their preferences and was well-structured. Satisfaction with the routine and body image played a major role in sticking with training.
Bottom line: No matter your objective, the important thing is that you're comfortable..
How to Choose Your Routine #2 – "Your Personal Goal"
The routine should adapt to you, not the other way around.
Ask yourself honestly:
What do I want? Build muscle? Lose fat? Get stronger? Feel better?
Once you’ve defined a realistic goal, you can design a routine that aligns with it.
Bottom line: Whatever your goal is, the key is to enjoy the process.
Motivation Killer #3 – "Comparison"
We all compare ourselves to others, especially in today’s social media-driven world. But the truth is: you are you. No one shares your exact context, genetics, lifestyle, or schedule.
Following Chris Bumstead’s arm workout won’t give you his arms. Doing Tom Platz’s leg day won’t give you his legs. That’s just a fact.
Use critical thinking. Whenever you come across a viral routine or exercise, ask yourself:
- Is this exercise actually useful for me?
- How can I adapt it to my own needs?
- Does it make sense with my goals—and do I enjoy it?
If the answer is no, don’t be afraid to toss it.
Bottom line: Stop comparing. Most people around you are just as lost as you are.
Stop Chasing the Next Shiny Object #4 – "Shiny Objects"
Don’t switch your routine every two weeks just because a new trend popped up on TikTok. Jumping from one plan to another keeps you from building consistency or seeing real progress.
Trying new things is fine—but give them time. Stick with a new routine for at least 3 to 6
Bottom line: Consistency beats perfection. A "good" routine that you follow religiously will be infinitely better than the "perfect" routine you abandon in 2 weeks.
