Reg Park’s Beginner Workout Routine

When it comes to bodybuilding and physical fitness, one word that truly stands out is Reg Park. With an exceptional physique and outstanding poise, he was perfectly suited for the role of Hercules.

Reg Park’s journey began with athletics as a teenager before transitioning into the fitness and gym world. His service as a paratrooper in the British Army further enhanced his remarkable physical and mental toughness. Park immersed himself in the American bodybuilding scene, learning from some of the most prominent experts in the field.

Park’s legendary achievements include his three Mr universe crowns and a profound influence on training methods. He became the second man to benchpress 500 pounds and boasted an impressive weight exceeding 250 pounds.

Here’s Arnold Schwarzenegger’s take on Park as a passionate admirer,

“He was so powerful and rugged-looking that I decided right then and there I wanted to be a bodybuilder, another Reg Park. I could not have picked a better hero to inspire me.”

In this article, we will explore the beginner’s workout routines of Reg Park

Reg Park’s Training Principles

Reg Park’s workout routine is ideal for beginners because it prioritizes simplicity and effectiveness.

A core tenet of Park’s training philosophy was the concept of progressive overload. He promoted the practice of gradually increasing the weight or intensity of your exercises over time.

This gradual progression is essential for stimulating muscle growth and enhancing strength. This approach not only simplifies the workout but also ensures that beginners can progress at a pace that suits their fitness level.

By following his principles individuals who are new to fitness can establish a foundation for their fitness journey while keeping things straightforward and impactful.

Furthermore, Reg Park understood the importance of having a well-rounded physique. He stressed the idea of working on all your muscles to achieve a balanced and symmetrical look. He wasn’t just about getting strong; he also cared about looking good. Reg Park’s dedication was all about having a strong and good-looking body and inspiring others to strive for a well-proportioned and impressive physique.

Reg Park’s Beginner Workout Routine

Reg Park’s beginner routine is a simplified version of his classic 5×5 program, which focuses on building strength and muscles. This uncomplicated and efficient set of exercises includes compound movements like squats, deadlifts, standing presses, rows, and chin-ups.

You should do these workouts three times a week, alternating between two different routines.

The objective is to gradually increase the weight as you become stronger while ensuring you maintain proper form.

Arnold Schwarzenegger got his start by following this training program in the early days of his bodybuilding career. Park’s workout routine is well-regarded for its effectiveness and popularity with beginners, and it has played a notable role in the development of some of the most successful bodybuilders in history.

Training Schedule

• Week 1: A, B, A
• Week 2: B, A, B
• Week 3: A, B, A, and so forth.

Workout A

• Back Squats: 5 sets x 5 reps
• Chin-Ups or Pull-Ups: 5 sets x5 reps
• Dips or Bench Press: 5 sets x 5 reps
• Barbell Curls: 2 sets x 10 reps
• Wrist Work: 2 sets x 10 reps
• Calves: 2 sets x 15-20 reps

Workout B

• Front Squats: 5 sets x 5 reps
• Rows: 5 sets x 5 reps
• Standing Press: 5 sets x 5 reps
• Deadlifts: 3 sets x 5 reps (2 warm-up sets and 1 “stabilizer set”)
• Wrist Work: 2 sets x 10 reps
• Calves: 2 sets x 15-20 reps

Don’t miss:

Arnold Golden Six Routine
StrongLifts 5×5 Workout Program
Frank Zane Growth Workout Plan

Reg Park’s Training Routine 1953

Workout 1

Follow this routine for eight weeks

• Overhead Press: 1-3 sets x 8-10 reps
• Squat: 1-3 sets x 8-10 reps
• Straight Arm Pullover: 1-3 sets x 8-10 reps
• Calf Raise: 2 sets x 10 reps reps
• Shrugs: 1-3 sets x 8-10 reps
• Bent-Over Rowing: 1-3 sets of 8-10 reps
• Barbell Curls: 1-3 sets x 8-10 reps
• Wrist Roller: 1-3 sets x 8-10 reps
• Neck Resistance: 1-3 sets x 8-10 reps
• Sit-Ups: 1-3 sets x 8-10 reps

Workout 2

Follow this routine for eight weeks

• Press Behind Neck: 3 sets x 10 reps
• Front Squat: 3 sets x 10 reps
• Bent-Arm Arm Pullover on Bench with Barbell: 3 sets x 10 reps
• Calf Raise: 3 sets x 20 reps
• Bench Press: 3 sets x 10 reps
• French Curl (aka “skull crusher” done standing): 3 sets x 10 reps
• One-arm Rowing with Dumbbell: 3 sets x 10 reps
• Dumbell Curl: 3 sets x 10 reps
• Wrist Curl with Barbell: 3 sets x 10 reps
• Side Bends: 3 sets x 10 reps

Workout 3

Follow this routine for eight weeks

• Dumbbell Press: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Lateral Raise Standing: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Squat: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Straight-arm pullovers on Bench with Dumbbell: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Calf Raise with Partner: 4 sets x 30 reps
• Incline Bench Press with Dumbbells: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Lying Side Lateral Raise: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Dumbell Tricep Extension: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Stiff-Leg Deadlift: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Chin-Ups: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Incline Dumbbell Curl: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Curls: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Sit-Ups on Abdominal Bench: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Side Bends: 3-4 sets x 10 reps
• Reverse Curl: 3-4 sets x 10 reps

Workout 4

Follow this routine for eight weeks

• Press Behind Neck: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Dumbbell Press: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Front Squat: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Bent-Arm Pullover on Bench with Barbell: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Calf Raise: 5 x 30
• Incline Bench Press with Dumbbell: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Flat Bench Press with Dumbbells: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extension: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Parallel Bar Dips or Lying Triceps Extension with Barbell: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Shrugs: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Upright Rowing: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Barbell Curl: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Seated Dumbbell Curl: 3 sets x 8 reps
• Leg Raises on Chinning Bar: 3 sets x 8 reps

Don’t miss:

Mike Mentzer’s Workout Routine
3 Day Beginner Workout Routine
Ivysaur 4-4-8 Beginner Program

Final Reflections

Reg Parks’ workout routine was a testament to his unwavering commitment to sculpting his body into a masterpiece. It is great for beginners and an effective way to get stronger and build muscles. He focused on simple exercises, gradually increasing the weight, and included unique warm-up sets.

Park’s unwavering commitment to the field of bodybuilding has inspired generations to reach their fitness goals with determination and passion. His approach shows that keeping things simple and working hard can lead to impressive results in getting fit and strong. If you want to follow Reg Park’s footsteps begin with his beginner’s workout routine. Remember that it takes an extraordinary level of dedication, discipline, and unbreakable spirit. So set your sights high and give it your all.