How to Create Your Perfect Workout Routine

Cookie cutter programs aren’t made for your goals, your body, or your schedule.

Let’s be real: the internet is flooded with fitness plans, but none of them truly know you. Your life. Your energy. Your goals. That’s why creating a customized workout routine that fits you is the secret sauce to getting real results—and actually sticking with it.

Whether you're aiming to build muscle, lose fat, gain strength, or just feel like a badass every day, here’s how to build your perfect plan from scratch:

1. Define Your Goal

Before you hit the gym, you’ve got to know what the hell you’re doing it for. Are you:

  • Trying to build muscle?

  • Lose fat and lean out?

  • Increase strength or endurance?

  • Improve mobility and flexibility?

  • Prep for a bikini competition (👀)?

Write down your goal. Make it specific. For example:
“I want to build visible muscle and drop 2” from my waist in 12 weeks.”

That clarity determines everything else.

Tip:  You can’t build muscle and lose weight – building muscle means eating more and lifting heavier, losing fat means eating less and cardio included in your program.

2. Choose Your Weekly Schedule

Let’s be honest: it doesn’t matter how great the plan is if it doesn’t fit your life.
Ask yourself:

  • How many days a week can I realistically commit? (3, 4, 5, 6?)

  • How long can I train each session? (30, 45, 60+ minutes?)

  • When do I feel most energized—mornings, evenings, weekends?

 Pro Tip: Consistency > perfection. A 4-day plan you stick to beats a 6-day plan you abandon.

3. Split Your Training for Maximum Results

Here are some common training splits to choose from based on your goal and time

3 days a week - Full Body x 3

4 days a week - Upper/Lower Split (2 each)

5 days a week - Push/Pull/Legs/Upper/Lower

6 days a week - Body Part Split (e.g., Back, Glutes, Shoulders…)

Bonus Tip: Always train legs, glutes, and back with intention—these are power areas whether you're a lifter, a competitor, or a fitness queen.

4. Balance Strength + Conditioning + Recovery

A killer routine usually includes:

  • Strength training (core of the plan): 3–6x/week

  • Cardio (based on your goal): 2–4x/week

  • Mobility/Flexibility work: 10–15 min daily or post-lift

  • Rest/recovery: at least 1 full rest day, or active recovery

Want to lean out? Add HIIT or incline walking.

Want to build muscle? Focus on progressive overload and skip endless cardio.

5. Track Your Progress Religiously

If you’re not tracking, you’re just guessing.

  • Log your weights, reps, and sets each week

  • Take progress photos every 2–4 weeks

  • Pay attention to how your clothes fit, energy levels, and strength gains

Use an app, a spreadsheet, or go old-school with a notebook—

6. Stay Flexible & Evolve as You Grow

Your routine should grow with you.

  • Plateauing? Change your rep scheme, rest periods, or exercise selection.

  • Tired? Listen to your body—recovery is not weakness.

  • Busy week? Modify and don’t beat yourself up. Adjust, don’t quit.

Progress isn’t linear. But effort over time? That’s unstoppable.

Make It Yours

The best workout plan isn’t the one you find online—it’s the one you create, tweak, and OWN. One that fits your life, challenges your body, and lights a fire under your mindset.

Remember: Your body isn’t broken. You don’t need to “start over.” You just need to get strategic.

So grab your journal, your calendar, and your mindset—and start building a routine that matches the vision you have for yourself.

Melisa Garcia