workout routines on machines. STUPID QUESTION

jerber160
jerber160 Posts: 2,607 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm a novice at this.. I don't know how to group machine workouts ( and I guess I'm looking for easy answers rather than researching for myself-sorry) Is it enough to go into the LAFITNESS and do a set on each of the leg machines one day, then a set of 'pushing' routines (bench press, triceps extensions...) then 'pulling' ( pull ups, biceps curls, rows)... or should I be grouping machines for back/shoulder one day, arms/chest/core one day, legs one day? thanks for any insight

Replies

  • FullOfWin
    FullOfWin Posts: 1,414 Member
    A novice is best served starting with 3 day per week full body workouts on non consecutive days. Also of course it is better to use free weights. Just start light and work your way up. If you want to get serious, check this out http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners
  • jerber160
    jerber160 Posts: 2,607 Member
    A novice is best served starting with 3 day per week full body workouts on non consecutive days. Also of course it is better to use free weights.

    you think? I do (sometimes) a modified tom holland total body workout... and I did half a p90x total body thing... kicked me right down.... is it at all beneficial to just jump from machine to machine to machine until you complete a circuit? (jr high gym class... brand new weight machine.. that's what we did...)
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    A novice is best served starting with 3 day per week full body workouts on non consecutive days. Also of course it is better to use free weights. Just start light and work your way up. If you want to get serious, check this out http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners

    This is the word. Machine isolate muscles and move them in not nessesarily natural paths. Additionally you work not stabilizing muscles because the machine does that. You have to work each muscle or muscle group individually so it can be rather time consming. Full body compound movement in a program like say, Starting Strength, give you a full body workout, stabilizers and all in about 45 minutes to an hour 3 times a week. Check out that link. It has a lot of excellent info from determined noob.
  • jerber160
    jerber160 Posts: 2,607 Member
    A novice is best served starting with 3 day per week full body workouts on non consecutive days. Also of course it is better to use free weights. Just start light and work your way up. If you want to get serious, check this out http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners

    This is the word. Machine isolate muscles and move them in not nessesarily natural paths. Additionally you work not stabilizing muscles because the machine does that. You have to work each muscle or muscle group individually so it can be rather time consming. Full body compound movement in a program like say, Starting Strength, give you a full body workout, stabilizers and all in about 45 minutes to an hour 3 times a week. Check out that link. It has a lot of excellent info from determined noob.
    i don't know gang. just had workout with trainer.. on machines.. I'm gonna hurt tomorrow. isn't that what it's about? isn't that enough of a good thing??
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    A novice is best served starting with 3 day per week full body workouts on non consecutive days. Also of course it is better to use free weights. Just start light and work your way up. If you want to get serious, check this out http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners

    Hmmmm.....Helpful posts. Sometimes snarky posts. Hates on CF. Links to the above thread a lot. You seem familiar. Almost like someone I used to know.......Nah. Couldn't be.
  • nfrewin
    nfrewin Posts: 73 Member
    Depends what you're aiming for - having power & strength or looking the part.
    If you're new to working out I think it's best to start on the machines until you build up enough base strength to move to free weights (and got the correct technique sorted). moving straight to free weights with no stability or technique increases your odds of hurting yourself.

    But overall free weights win hands down :)
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    A novice is best served starting with 3 day per week full body workouts on non consecutive days. Also of course it is better to use free weights. Just start light and work your way up. If you want to get serious, check this out http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners

    This is the word. Machine isolate muscles and move them in not nessesarily natural paths. Additionally you work not stabilizing muscles because the machine does that. You have to work each muscle or muscle group individually so it can be rather time consming. Full body compound movement in a program like say, Starting Strength, give you a full body workout, stabilizers and all in about 45 minutes to an hour 3 times a week. Check out that link. It has a lot of excellent info from determined noob.
    i don't know gang. just had workout with trainer.. on machines.. I'm gonna hurt tomorrow. isn't that what it's about? isn't that enough of a good thing??
    I'd respectfully suggest the same could be accomplished more effectively and efficiently with free weights. It's not whether what you experienced is enough or not but is it optimum.
  • super_monty
    super_monty Posts: 419 Member
    I'm a novice at this.. I don't know how to group machine workouts ( and I guess I'm looking for easy answers rather than researching for myself-sorry) Is it enough to go into the LAFITNESS and do a set on each of the leg machines one day, then a set of 'pushing' routines (bench press, triceps extensions...) then 'pulling' ( pull ups, biceps curls, rows)... or should I be grouping machines for back/shoulder one day, arms/chest/core one day, legs one day? thanks for any insight

    Completely depends on your goals, which are not listed here.

    I have a few routines at a machine only gym it kind of goes like this.

    General health and weight loss for novice - was a well balanced cardio and basic strength routine with high reps no split not many machines - only good for a few months.

    General health/maintenance - a 2 split routine to be completed 3 or 4 times a week with a very basic cable routine.(reps lowered weight increased)

    Lifting heavy intermediate - A 4 split to be completed 4 days a week. Cardio dropped a lot, more weight machines(8-12 rep range). A lot more cable and floor work due to machines being far less efficient than free weights and the lack of a squat rack.
  • bradphil87
    bradphil87 Posts: 617 Member
    I use a split.

    Shoulders
    Legs/core
    Back/bis
    Chest/tris

    I take rest days after back/bis and chest/tris and use legs day to break up shoulders and back and bis day. Just personal preference.
  • jerber160
    jerber160 Posts: 2,607 Member
    i don't really have 'goals.' just to be better than i am now. If i could lose 10-15lb that would be great tho...

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