Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

[jmw1137]

I know you're supposed to rest your muscles....but is it bad to workout 2 days in a row, take a day off, then workout another day or two?

I'm focusing on my arms and would like to workout Monday, Tuesday & Thursday but can try to re-arrange it a bit if I'm either hurting things by not taking a day off in between or if I won't see as much benefit without a day off.

Also, I pretty much stick to the machines. I do see some people using them but it seems like most of the bigger guys use the free weights. Is it a waste of time to use the machines?

[oakfan162]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

It depends if you break up which muscles you are working. I personally like using free weights because you tend to cheat when you use machines. Thats just my opinion though. I think its better to go less weight, proper form, and free weights rather than a lot of weight, and struggling against the machine.

[stewaat]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

It depends if you break up which muscles you are working. I personally like using free weights because you tend to cheat when you use machines. Thats just my opinion though. I think its better to go less weight, proper form, and free weights rather than a lot of weight, and struggling against the machine.

Quoted for truth. Free weight are much better IMO and in the opinion of several people I know. I don't know anybody who prefers machines over free weights.

[TheGamingChef]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

I prefer free weights because they work a much wider array of muscles. When you do, say, a tricep press on a machine, that machine is made to work the triceps and solely the triceps. Working the triceps with free weights will almost certainly involve a couple of other muscles too.

Don't work arms Mon-Tues... Can you do M-W-F... or M-TH-Sat even? You need at least one full day between workouts.. and not a full day as in 24 hours... a full day as in basically, 48 hours.

[oakfan162]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

Quoted for truth. Free weight are much better IMO and in the opinion of several people I know. I don't know anybody who prefers machines over free weights.

I do. They are the guys that want to get in and out of the gym quick, feel really strong because they push a high amount of weight, yet don't break a sweat and complain about no results. Lol.

[stewaat]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

I do. They are the guys that want to get in and out of the gym quick, feel really strong because they push a high amount of weight, yet don't break a sweat and complain about no results. Lol.

We should start a thread about gym etiquette. By the way I've noticed those people think of the gym as a coffee shop. It's hilarious to see some guy put 4 plates on both sides of the bar and do shrugs for 20 minutes. He just sits there and does nothing but a couple sets and standing around.

[oakfan162]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

We should start a thread about gym etiquette. By the way I've noticed those people think of the gym as a coffee shop. It's hilarious to see some guy put 4 plates on both sides of the bar and do shrugs for 20 minutes. He just sits there and does nothing but a couple sets and standing around.

Totally! Today I actually saw a woman eat a snickers on the bike! I couldn't believe it.

[stewaat]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

Totally! Today I actually saw a woman eat a snickers on the bike! I couldn't believe it.

That's me being a drill segeant and getting on her A$$!

[USF11]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

We should start a thread about gym etiquette. By the way I've noticed those people think of the gym as a coffee shop. It's hilarious to see some guy put 4 plates on both sides of the bar and do shrugs for 20 minutes. He just sits there and does nothing but a couple sets and standing around.

The greatest part of having an IPOD is you dont have to talk to people.

[ehh]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

Machines are pretty much a waste. Plus their all isolation only, which sucks.

Stick to free weights and do whatever weight you can. As long as you set a new personal record each session you'll be fine (either heavier weight or more reps). Remember it's a marathon, not a sprint.

[ehh]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

We should start a thread about gym etiquette. By the way I've noticed those people think of the gym as a coffee shop. It's hilarious to see some guy put 4 plates on both sides of the bar and do shrugs for 20 minutes. He just sits there and does nothing but a couple sets and standing around.

The worst part about that is my gym only has one squat rack. Nothing drives me up the wall more than walking into the gym on squat day and seeing some idiot doing curls or shrugs in the squat rack for ten minutes!

[TheGamingChef]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

The worst part about that is my gym only has one squat rack. Nothing drives me up the wall more than walking into the gym on squat day and seeing some idiot doing curls or shrugs in the squat rack for ten minutes!

You need to find a new gym. One squat rack? What, do they have 2 benches?

[oakfan162]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

The worst part about that is my gym only has one squat rack. Nothing drives me up the wall more than walking into the gym on squat day and seeing some idiot doing curls or shrugs in the squat rack for ten minutes!

Same here. Mine is a 24 hour-esq gym and has tons of everything else. But the squat rack is always in use. I've seen people like sprint across the gym to be the next to use it. Lol.

[USF11]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

Because I usually work out alone I started using the Smith Machine when I do squats and I love it. It helps me to concentrate on my form and I can go as high as I want weight wise because I can just hook it at any time.

[oakfan162]

Re: Workout questions...time between workouts & machines

Because I usually work out alone I started using the Smith Machine when I do squats and I love it. It helps me to concentrate on my form and I can go as high as I want weight wise because I just hook.

Thats the only machine i will use. Its just more reassuring if I am by myself.