12 Week Exercise Program

With the start of a new year comes many “New Year’s Resolutions” to lose weight, look better and feel better. Although the intention is there, it may be difficult to actually get started on an exercise program that will work. Today’s Fitness Trainer has designed a 12 Week “Home” Exercise Program to overcome all of the excuses that get in the way of achieving results in the new year, including:

“I don’t like going to a gym.”
“It costs too much to join a gym or hire a personal trainer.”
“It costs too much to outfit a home gym or buy exercise equipment.”
“I can’t fit exercise into my busy schedule.”

This program is designed for someone who wants to exercise in their own home, using minimal equipment (costing less than $25.00), that is easy to follow and guides a beginner to become confident with exercise and helps them to achieve real results!

If you need to access other workouts in this program, click the following links:

12 Week Home Exercise Program – Week One

The “12 Week Home Exercise Program” is designed using 2011 ACSM Exercise Guidelines and Recommendations. Below is the program to be completed within a 7 day time period (a total of 3 workout sessions). The workout sheet provided includes all of the exercises to be completed during the week. You have to option to choose which exercises you complete during each of the workout sessions (with the goal of completing everything on the checklist). The recommended workout session format for the week is:

Session #1: Cardio (20 minutes), Strength (6 exercises including: legs, back, chest, shoulders, arms and core), Functional Training (4 exercises), and Flexibility (4 exercises)
Session #2: Cardio (20 minutes), Strength (6 exercises including: legs, back, chest, shoulders, arms and core), Functional Training (4 exercises), and Flexibility (4 exercises)
Session #3: Cardio (20 minutes)

Workouts can be scheduled on the days (and times) of the week that are the most convenient and realistic. Be sure to include at least 36 hours in between each workout.

12 week home program, fitness program, exercise program, workout program — Today’s Fitness Trainer
12 Week Home Exercise Program – Week One

To download a PDF copy of this program, click here.

For information on the exercises included in this program (i.e. descriptions, images and/or video) click here.

Cardiovascular Training Recommendations

Cardiovascular exercise is any type of exercise that challenges the heart and lungs. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends a total of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. Recommendations for cardiovascular exercise include:

30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (five days per week) or 20-60 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise (three days per week).
One continuous session and multiple shorter sessions (of at least 10 minutes) are both acceptable to accumulate desired amount of daily exercise.

Throughout the “12 Week Home Exercise Program” you will gradually work towards the 150 minute per week goal.

Strength Training Recommendations

This strength training program includes exercises that challenge each major muscle group (acting in opposing pairs). Schedule a minimum of 36 hours in between each workout (i.e. Monday, Wednesday and Friday) to allow for proper rest and recovery times. The strength training program is based on the following:

Load: 60 to 70% of 1RM (one rep. maximum load)
Repetitions: 10 to 15 repetitions
Sets: 2 to 3 sets
Rest: 2 to 3 minutes rest (in between sets)
Speed: moderate contraction speeds (1-2-3 / 1-2-3)
Frequency: 2 sessions (average of 60 minutes/session)

Equipment Required

The exercises included in the strength training program are designed to accommodate an “at home” routine. The only equipment required for this program is resistance tubing for the strength exercises. For a set of resistance tubing (with handles) the cost is under $25.00.

Cool Down & Stretching Recommendations

The main purpose of cooling down is to bring breathing, body temperature and heart rate back to normal slowly. During the cool down routine you are allowing the blood to properly redistribute itself to the heart. This redistribution helps rid the muscles of lactic acid which can build up around the muscles during an aerobic workout.

If you stop exercising abruptly, blood can pool around the muscles of the legs causing insufficient blood flow and oxygen to the brain which can make you feel light-headed and dizzy. Dizziness, nausea and feeling worn out are common symptoms of an improper or no cool down period.

An effective cool down will also include your flexibility exercises. At the end of your workout your muscles will be warm for a deeper and more beneficial stretch.