Hi! I’m (5’2, 21, 134lbs) trying to change my workout routine because it just takes me so long to get through. I’ve been doing the free week of exercises from smalletics, but I want something new. Technically, I started smalletics around 4 years ago (around 150lbs) and I’d go though phases of being consistent for like a month and then nothing for months, then back to it, then nothing.

So by now I’m very familiar with it but I still lack the skills and strength I would’ve had if I stuck with it. I’ve had some success, yes, and I guess I’ve maintained it, but I could be so much better. It takes me at least an hour after all these years and it just feels wrong. Plus, I stayed very consistent with it these past 2 weeks and it left me so drained. So I’m looking for something fresh.

I like the idea of more rest days because I’ve been reading about how beneficial those are, but I’m not sure where to find another good workout for me. I really want to build muscle, and I only have dumbbells to use at home.

I found these:

5x5 workout

dumbell only workout

Also, I really prefer pdfs with reference videos so I can go at my own pace. Watching a video and trying to keep up with someone doesn’t work for me.

But I’m not sure if these are right for me? I tried the first one to the best of my ability at home, and it felt alright. It wasn’t as hard as smalletics which felt nice, but also made me question if it was too easy. Plus it feels odd to go from having 2 rest days to having 4. Sorry if I’m contradicting myself, I really feel like I don’t know what I’m doing with this.

(Maybe I should just tough it out and actually be consistent with smalletics?)

Any advice is appreciated!