Why Less Can Be More When It Comes to Fitness

With Halloween just around the corner and October quickly coming to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past couple of weeks and my new workout routine. Tomorrow will be just a normal day for me, with my usual Thursday food shop and no Halloween plans in sight. But it's also been exactly two weeks today since I started my new 7-day workout plan, and I’m really starting to feel the benefits.

For those of you who didn’t catch my previous post, here’s what my new workout routine looks like:

Monday & Thursday: Upper Body Focus

1. Dumbbell Chest Press: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
2. Dumbbell Rows: 3 sets of 10-12 reps (each arm)
3. Dumbbell Fly: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Tuesday & Friday: Lower Body Focus

1. Goblet Squats: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
2. Leg Extensions: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
3. Romanian Deadlifts: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Wednesday & Saturday: Core & Conditioning
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1. Star Planks: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds
2. Knee to Elbow: 3 sets of 12-15 reps (each side)
3. Sit-Ups: 3 sets of 10-15 reps

Sunday: Rest Day

Rest days are crucial for recovery, so I’ve been thinking about incorporating more cycling into my rest days, but that’ll depend on the weather. In the UK, especially in late October, it’s not always ideal for outdoor activities. However, when I can, I enjoy leisurely rides along the canal—nothing intense, just some easy cardio, fresh air, and a mental reset.

Since I first posted about this new workout plan, I’ve made a couple of small adjustments. They’re not major changes, just a swap of two exercises that I didn’t particularly enjoy for ones I like better, while still targeting the same muscle groups. It’s all part of fine-tuning the plan to keep it enjoyable and effective.

I’ve always found that when I create workout routines, some things look great on paper but don’t always feel practical once I put them into practice. So, after a couple of weeks of trial and error, I tweak things to make sure the plan feels sustainable. The key for me is to enjoy what I’m doing because if it feels like a chore, I know I won’t stick with it long term. This new routine strikes a great balance—less exercise, but it’s much more manageable while still hitting all the major muscle groups. It’s made my fitness journey more enjoyable, and I’m actually looking forward to each session.

What I’ve noticed most over the past two weeks is how much more I enjoy this streamlined approach to working out. Before, I sometimes felt overwhelmed with too many exercises crammed into each session, which made it feel like a slog. Now, by focusing on fewer exercises but maintaining intensity, it feels much more doable. Each day I’m concentrating on specific muscle groups without feeling burnt out, and I can genuinely see and feel the progress.

As I continue with this plan, I’m always open to making adjustments as needed. I think it’s important not to be too rigid with workout plans—fitness should adapt to you, not the other way around. It’s one thing to follow a routine, but another to listen to your body and make changes when something doesn’t feel right or starts to feel stale. I think that’s the key to longevity in fitness—making it something you enjoy rather than a chore.

In addition to the physical benefits, this new workout routine has had a positive impact on my mental health. Getting outside, especially on my cycling days, has been a great way to clear my head. The combination of exercise and fresh air works wonders for my mood, especially now as we head into the darker, colder months. I’ve always found that staying active helps stave off the sluggishness that can come with winter. Even when I’m indoors doing my upper body or lower body workouts, I know it’s boosting my energy and helping me stay positive.

I can honestly say I’m happy with how things are going. I’ve got a routine that’s both effective and enjoyable, and it’s helping me stay on track with my fitness goals without feeling overwhelmed. I’m looking forward to seeing how I progress over the coming months. If you’re someone who’s feeling stuck with your current workout routine or finding it hard to stay motivated, I highly recommend giving a streamlined full-body plan like this a try. Sometimes, less really is more.