time spent working out

fadetoblac · 24-Nov-07, 09:04 PM

Hey guys I am have been working out for about a month now and I am seeing a difference in strength already. I usally work out two muscle groups a day with rest inbetween

I am doing about 2-3 exercises per muscle group and my workouts only last around 20 minutes.. Should I be shooting for a longer workout like 35-40 minutes? I new to all this so I am not sure.

I also have another question too, I want to use free weights because thats what I have right now. Should I think about investing in a cable machine where I can do cable pulls downs and other exercises like that?

thanks please get back

CF-OC_gal · 25-Nov-07, 11:03 AM

A lot of what you are asking is based on why you are even working out.

Take a moment to think about what your goals are, what your time budget for workouts is, your likes and dislikes in exercise and how much you have to spend.

When you are new to a program, you will see changes just from making the effort.

There are lots of ways to achieve fitness through exercise. Before investing in a cable machine make sure that it is going to give you back something worthwhile in return. I see lots of them for sale in the used fitness equipment ads.

bodyshop20 · 25-Nov-07, 04:18 PM

well cable pull downs are so good for lat width, but if you cant afford cable machine, do wide grip lat lift which can be done in a park on kids apperatus.

**LiftGirl** · 27-Nov-07, 06:00 PM

If you are seeing results from your 20 mins, then I don't believe you need a longer workout. How long a weights workout takes depends on a lot of factors, like how long you recover from sets and if you like to socialize (if you're at the gym).

Anything that can be done on a cable machine can be replicated with free weights. Are there specific exercises you're looking to do on a cable machine?

mdedge · 05-Dec-07, 10:23 PM

I see better results with dumbbells and free weights.

westside24 · 06-Dec-07, 04:16 PM

I also have another question too, I want to use free weights because thats what I have right now. Should I think about investing in a cable machine where I can do cable pulls downs and other exercises like that?

thanks please get back[/quote]

Dude, I would invest In a good Bench, dont get the cheapest bench you can find, dont get the most expensive either, just a bench and an olympic size bar, and get an adjustable dumbell set, thats all you need for all 10 of your basic muscle groups. and if you want cables for cable pull down (which is not a freewieght exercise) doing pullups/chinups (especially wide grip like that one guy said) is the same movement, but I feel does alot more for your back/lats then cables pull downs. you just need to find somethin sturdy to do it on.

gcs118 · 14-Dec-07, 03:29 PM

I'd have to encourage you to use your free weights more than the cable equipment. I am sure there are MANY lifts out there you haven't even discovered yet with free weights, which could give better results and save money. If you are content with your results, don't change anything. Only change the program when you plateau.