Going to the gym is a popular way to move more and boost your overall fitness. Some people prefer it to working out at home because it feels more motivating.
Many gym-goers split their workouts by body part, training different areas on different days. This split-style training can be useful on its own.
Another good option is full-body workouts, which target more muscle groups in a single session and are done more often. Many people use machines made for this purpose, like the Bowflex Max Trainer, which combines a stair stepper and an elliptical.
Read on to learn the benefits of using these machines for full-body workouts.
Build More Muscle
If your goal is to build muscle, full-body workouts can be more effective than focusing on one body part at a time. Research shows that training the whole body can improve the balance between testosterone and cortisol, and that better balance can support muscle growth.
Lose More Fat
Having trouble losing stubborn fat? Changing your routine might help. Full-body training means you hit muscle groups more frequently than with a split routine, which can boost your metabolism and keep calorie burn higher throughout the day. That helps your body keep losing fat even after you leave the gym.
Get Stronger
Working your whole body instead of isolated parts can also increase strength. By training different muscles regularly and increasing workout frequency, you’ll likely feel stronger and may be able to lift more. Full-body work also trains your nervous system and movement patterns, which adds to strength gains.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking of switching up your workouts, try full-body sessions — they offer several benefits. You may see faster fat loss because your body keeps burning calories after workouts, and research suggests improved muscle mass and strength when you train your whole body more often. Give it a try to see the results for yourself.
Petra Nakashian
Petra Nakashian has been writing about nutrition, natural health, and ingredient research for over 10 years. She began her work after losing both parents to cancer at a young age, an experience that pushed her to learn how diet and lifestyle affect long-term health. Petra focuses on evidence-based wellness, using scientific studies, expert sources, and years of personal research. She’s known for uncovering hidden ingredients in everyday foods and drinks, helping readers make informed, healthier choices without the fluff.