Push/Pull Split = Full Body routine?

[scottp75]

There is always a lot of debate about whether "beginners" should start with full body routine vs a split. While I have been lifting for nearly 3 years, the majority of the time was not consistently enough that I consider myself beyond a beginner.

So, looking into a lot of programs, it seems that some Push/Pull programs are very similar to what people consider "full body programs". Below is an example of what I have been using. The main difference I see between this split and most "full body" is the frequency of the workout. But you are still hitting most muscle groups each lifting day.

Is there a big difference I am missing?

If so, is the program below not an ideal choice for a beginner? I have been using this for about 4 weeks and I actually don't feel pushed enough, rather than too much...

Day 1 - Pull - 3x6
Deadlift
Seated Row
Shrugs
Lat Pulldown
Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Dumbell Curl

Day 2 - HIIT and Abs
HIIT - 25-30 Min
Lying Leg Raises
Cable Crunches
Reverse Crunched
Side Bends

Day 3 - Push - 3x6
Squat
Bench Press
Seated Calf Raise
Arnold Press
Leg Press
Nosebreakers

Day 4 - HIIT and Abs
HIIT - 25-30 Min
Lying Leg Raises
Cable Crunches
Reverse Crunched
Side Bends

Day 5 - Pull - 3x12
Lying Leg Curl
Bent Over Row
Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Wide Lat Pulldowns (or Pullups once I can do enough)
Shrug
Barbell Curl

Day 6 - Push 3x12
Incline Dumbell Press
Squat
Tricep Pushdown
Seated Calf Raise
Military Press
Dumbbell Flyes

Day 7 - Rest

[MichaelCJ]

Well you see now, the difference between full body and push/pull is that full body is full body, and push/pull isn't.

hth opie.

[scottp75]

Well, obviously. But my point is that when I compare the program I listed with a real "full body" program, they seem very similar. The Pull days in my program cover (or can cover) all but chest. The Push days cover all but biceps.

Am I missing something? Or is this routine sufficient?

[MichaelCJ]

The Pull days in my program cover (or can cover) all but chest.

Let's take Day 5 then, as an example:

It's missing the pectorals, triceps, anterior deltoids, quadriceps... well, you get the idea. I hope.

The whole idea of push/pull (or upper/lower, or body part splits) is to NOT work the entire body every session. Full body is the exception.

[scottp75]

Let's take Day 5 then, as an example:

It's missing the pectorals, triceps, anterior deltoids, quadriceps... well, you get the idea. I hope.

The whole idea of push/pull (or upper/lower, or body part splits) is to NOT work the entire body every session. Full body is the exception.

Ok, fair enough. Do you think the program I listed is good? Should I switch to more of a full body program? My issue with doing 1 exercise per muscle group worries me because there are days where I'll do two or three exercises for a specific muscle group and it still doesn't feel worked enough. That is the one reason I push back on the idea of "beginner" programs.