Strength training is actually simple to understand, but difficult to do. Many have over-complicated this pursuit
with ineffective and nebulous program variables. I am all for getting back to the basics, so keep it
based on these 3 general principles:
1) Create
and OVERLOAD on the muscle(s).
2) Allow time for the muscle(s)
to RECOVER.
3) Aim for PROGRESSION over time.
In less than 5 seconds, I can offer you a bit of advice that can take you a
l-o-n-g way. Here it is:
"Lift the resistance for
as many good repetitions possible, record the result, and attempt to do more next time." Amen.
That written, try this 3 day/week program. USE EITHER DUMBBELLS, BARBELLS,
OR MACHINES for each exercise...it doesn't matter. It will work provided you do two things: 1) Do it. 2) Work
as hard as you can on each set.
Day 1: Use a 12-16 rep range for each exerciseChest/Bench PressBent-over Row or Seated
RowOverhead PressPulldown
or Pull ups (x max reps)Incline PressUpright Row or Lateral RaiseDecline Press
or Dips (x max reps)Bicep CurlTricep Press/ExtensionLeg Press or SquatDead Lift, Lunges or 1-Leg SquatLeg Curl
or Stiff-leg Dead Lift/RDLAbdominals - your choice.Day 2: Use an 8-12 rep range for each exerciseOverhead PressPulldown or Pull ups (x max
reps)Decline Press or Dips (x max reps)Upright Row or Lateral RaiseChest/Bench PressBent-over Row or Seated RowIncline PressLeg Press or SquatLeg Press or SquatDead Lift, Lunges or 1-Leg SquatLeg Curl
or Stiff-leg Dead Lift/RDLAbdominals - your choice.Day 3: Use the rep range listed next to each exerciseChest/Bench Press x 10-14Pulldown x
10-14 (or Pull ups x max reps)Squat or Leg Press x 10-14Chest/Bench Press x 6-10Pulldown x
6-10 (or Pull ups x max reps)Squat or Leg Press x 6-10Chest/Bench Press x 6-10Pulldown x
6-10 (or Pull ups x max reps)Squat or Leg Press x 6-10-Overhead Press x 8-12Bent-over Row or Seated Row
x 8-12Overhead Press x 4-8Bent-over Row or Seated Row x 4-8-Incline Press or Wt. Dips x 6-10Leg Curl or Stiff-leg Dead Lift/RDL x 8-12Incline
Press or Wt. Dips x 6-10Leg Curl or Stiff-leg Dead Lift/RDL x 8-12-Abdominals - your choice
Wt. Plate Circuit
With either a 10, 25, 35 or 45 lb. wt.
plate (the stronger you are, the heavier the plate), perform this routine with no rest between exercises and for as many
rounds possible in 30 or 40 minutes:
Squat x 15
Overhead Tricep Extension x 8
Bicep
Curl x 8
Run in place (plate held overhead) x 50 steps
Bench Press x 20
Upright Row x 10
Lunges x 6 each leg
Bent-over Row x
20
Overhead Press x 12
Crunch
Reach-ups x 10
(back to top, repeat)