Hypothetical workout situation.

[Megamorph]

If you, say, could ONLY train on machines (including cables, which gives some free weight aspects) for an extended period of time, how would you do it?

What kind of sets would you do?

Would you change the number of sets per movement, as compared to free weights?

Would you basically try to tear yourself apart with the machines to make up for the lack of coordination?

Now, I am not necessarily going to take the advice, but if something suits my fancy, I might use it.

The routine will look like the following:

Alpha~
Machine Overhead Presses-5x1 (stack)
Pressdowns-50 total reps with a given weight (rest-pausing)
Close-grip Machine Chest Presses-3x5-7w/stack(failure, tri focus)
Cable Upright Rows-3x1 60 sec. rest
Leg Extensions- 50 total reps with a given weight (rest-pausing)
Leg Presses-3xfatigue with stack (going to suck, little weight)
Overhand Pulldowns-3xfailure with stack varied grips 60 sec. rest
Hyperextension Machine-3xfatigue with the stack

Beta~
Cable "Barbell" Curls-3 descending sets, starting at a 3-rep load
Calf Raises-3 descending sets, starting with the stack
Captains of Crush-2xfailure with No. 2

The frequency is not open for debate, as far as I am concerned, and will be Lift->Rest->Rest->Lift->Rest->Rest->Repeat.

I might add in some hamstring work, depending upon how the Leg Presses and Hyperextension Machine treat me. My hamstrings are ahead of most of my body as it currently is.


Comments? Oh, and I'll be doing my pussy-esque "gravity" training in my hotel suite as a matter of course.

 

[jeremys]

how long would this hypothetical situation last for? sounds like you're going on vacation or something. maybe take the time off? depends on how long it is..

 

[gsxr600]

tis alot of isolation.

I'd go heavy and High reps.
but i go heavy and High for free weights ass well,
I'd try and kill what ever i'm working on for that day.

 

[endpoint]

I personally dont like machines......but they do have their place. (in the way that they offer a resistance to push/pull against)

Put it this way.....as long as you force your muscles to adapt and grow, it doesnt matter if you are using free weights, total gym, a pencil.....whatever.

if gaining body mass is your goal, then sure machines will work fine.

work out with the same parameters that you used on free weights...if they produced results for you.

what are your goals?

what the hell are those rep/set ranges for?

 

[Nelson Montana]

endpoint is right. Muscle only know stress.
All those equations are bullshit.