Posted by Jeffery on June 21, 1998 at 23:14:25:
In Reply to: Gym training-----Weights and exercise machines. posted by Paul. D. Martin. on June 20, 1998 at 04:24:43:
Hi Paul -
There is definately some truth to the advise you were given. It takes most people about 72 hours for the muscles to really *repair* themselves - it is in the "rest" period, that the muscles actually get bigger - not while you are working them. For instance, if you work you chest very hard and get sore - and then do the same thing the next day, you will eventually be burning the muscle fibers - I belive that is the "burn out" your friend was refering to.
When I started out in the gym, I did and "all over" routine similar to yours to get toned up and ready for the real weights. I felt that I was making more progress with that type of routine, but science says that you need to not only have at least 2 days in between woring the same muscle group, but vary the order and type of movement in which you do execises as well. Like for biceps with dumbbells: the "regular" bicep curl one day, then do a dubbell bicep curl that is across your body the next time.
I do break up my muscle groups now - I work out on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You might consider this: Monday do chest, abs, and arms (don't forget the triceps as they are 2/3's of your arm mass!). Tuesday do back and shoulders. Take Wednesday as an "off" day or cardio only day. Thursday do legs and maybe chest again (that will be at least 2 days in between the chests). Friday you may do your old routine of "everything", but maybe with a little less weight than the other days.
Hope this helps you out Paul!
Jeffery