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Choosing between upper body push/pull or full body workouts

Should Women Opt for 1 Push/Pull or 2 Full Upper Body Days? | Possible Workout Plans Split

By

Samantha Cole

Sep 16, 2026, 08:34 PM

2 minutes reading time

A woman performing a push workout, focusing on her upper body with weights in a gym setting.

A recent discussion has sparked interest among fitness enthusiasts, particularly women, on the optimal workout split for upper body strength. A woman seeking to enhance her consistency at the gym questioned whether to dedicate her time to one push/pull day or two full upper body days.

The Dilemma: Push/Pull vs. Full Upper Body

Many fitness experts argue that training each muscle group twice a week can maximize growth. The user in the discussion shared her struggle, wanting to balance workout effectiveness without feeling overwhelmed. "I don't want to do the PPL split," she stated, emphasizing her desire for a more tailored plan.

Community Feedback

Forum responses leaned toward the two upper body days, with many people agreeing that a twice-a-week stimulus is crucial for muscle development. One commenter noted, "Those are a good list of exercises. I would do 2 upper body days." Suggestions included:

  • Day 1: Incline press, lat pulldowns, lateral raises, rear delt fly, cable crunches.

  • Day 2: Shoulder press, seated cable rows, chest fly, bicep curls, skull crushers.

Key Takeaways from the Discussions

  • ๐Ÿ”น Twice-a-week training: Most comments supported the idea of hitting upper body twice for better results.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Exercise variety: Suggested exercises cover essential upper muscle groups including chest, back, and shoulders.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Personalization matters: Not everyone agrees on the PPL split approach, indicating a need for tailored workouts.

"The right routine depends on personal goals and recovery needs." - A fitness enthusiast

Interestingly, while there is a strong push for maximizing workouts, individual preferences and recovery times remain vital considerations. As users navigate their fitness journeys, this topic continues to generate conversation, challenging traditional training regimes and advocating for customization in workout plans.

Ultimately, the decision lies in finding what works best for each individual, balancing frequency with effort in their exercise routine.

What Lies Ahead in Upper Body Training

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that future trends in fitness will emphasize personalized workout regimens even more. As people continue to seek effective ways to achieve their fitness goals, experts estimate around 60% of gym-goers will prefer tailored routines over traditional splits like push/pull or full upper body days. With growing awareness of individual recovery needs and the importance of variety in exercises, trainers may start to adapt programs that cater to personal preferences and physiological responses, enhancing overall performance and engagement in gym activity.

A Lesson from the Past: Fitness and Flexibility

The evolution of fitness approaches echoes the changes seen in the tech industry during the rise of smartphones in the mid-2000s. Just as consumers began to demand devices that catered not only to basic communication but also to lifestyle integration, gym-goers are pushing for workouts that fit their unique lives and needs. Companies that adapt to meet these demands thrive, while those that cling to outdated models often falter. In both scenarios, personalization drives success, highlighting the ongoing shift toward customization in personal health and fitness plans.