Good split for a newbie weakling!

emmab0902

I am starting off with weight training and hope to train 3 times a week with weight. I also swim 3 times a week (4-5km each session) and will probably run or bike on one or two days also.

My main focus is upper body strength - even when I was a competitive national rep swimmer in my teens my strength was not great and I have NEVER mastered even one pull-up. Since I am starting out, should I be looking at a full body programme three times a week or do I need to break it up.

Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated, including specific exercises, sets, reps etc.

obsidianwings

I would be looking at a full body compound program
I started with new rules of lifting for women, I have also seen starting strengths and stronglifts 5x5 recommended a lot.

6550mom

I'm doing stronglifts 5x5 and I really like it. I may add some more isolation exercises later but for now, that 3x per week and cardio 2x per week are my focus.

I've only been at it a couple weeks since finishing Insanity and having (unintentional) 2 weeks off, so not seeing much tangible change yet, but have gotten up to 90 pounds on squat and 145 pounds on deadlifts so I'm getting stronger if nothing else.