Peripheral Heart Action vs conventional weight training

[Tarheel]

Most guys I know (including my workout partner) work one muscle area per day.

Some people (mostly martial artist I think) do more of a PHA, where you work all muscle groups each workout day, never working the same muscle area back to back. Like do squats, then curls, then maybe a back exercise, some bent over rows, then some calf raises, etc. Keeps the blood circulating all thru the body and not mainly in one muscle group.

Does anyone know any pros and cons of each? Currently I do one muscle group per day.

 

[ballast]

PHA training is generally used for total body conditioning, much like the majority of circuit training routines.It's good because you can hit the body with an assortement of different exercises, and if done with short or no rest intervals, you can increase your cardiovascular efficiency.But, I don't think this sytem would be to useful if you are chasing size and/or strength gains.The most beneficial time to use this routine is coming back after a lay off.Hitting the entire body several times per week will allow you to regain your strength quicker than if you went back to a once per week per muscle group schedule.This routine might also be beneficial to athletes who won't have the time or energy to devote to a more traditional routine.