Getting away with no training plan

**Platti** · 07-01-2012 05:43 PM

Was just wondering, do you really need a set out list of weekly training to carry out.

Say for example on a Monday you're going to work Chest & Tri's, instead of having a set routine could you just decide to see whats free in the gym. Surely as long as you work it hard you'll get gains, also wouldn't it take the process of having to keep changing your workout every now and again out of the equation.

Only reason I ask, the gym I've just been to look at only had 1 bench press. If I'm on a routine that involves bench I may have to wait around (or obviously use a different gym).

**stronglikewood** · 07-01-2012 05:58 PM

It helps to have atleast one constant exercise for each bodypart every week to gauge progress (atleast at the beginner/intermediate level). So for example- every week I make sure no matter what, I do bench press first for chest, DB press first for shoulders, deads first for back, leg press first for legs etc. This makes it very easy to see if I'm progressing or not over the weeks.

If it's not possible to do this because of a busy gym then your way will still work aslong as you get stronger and are able to track your progress.

**Bison** · 07-01-2012 06:06 PM

Without planning, you're just planning to fail. You need to progress to make gains.

Seriously your gym only has 1 bench? Or do you mean Bench Press?

If there are other benches then you're fine, trust me Bench Press is one of the most over-rated exercises ever. I don't even use it, use DB's instead, heavy dips, flyes, press-ups will build your pecs up.

**macmuscle** · 07-01-2012 06:25 PM

If your gym does only have one bench, i'd advise going when it's quiet, or signing up for a different gym. If this isn't possible, i wouldn't use the method your suggesting, first of all this would result in uneven workouts. In that; you'd go to the gym, say for example lat pulldown machine is often available, you'll end up doing more work on your back than your other bodyparts. And if your working the same musclegroup afew times a week (cause the relevant equipment is free) you will not give yourself enough recovery time. Alternatively, if you plan on ensuring you do a different musclegroup each session, you may get to the end of the week, with legs still to do, and the squat rack and legpress are in use, meaning you'll still end up waiting. Also If bench press is more than often in use (if there's only one i'd imagine it would be almost in constant use! ahah) then you'll be neglecting your chest. I'd just use a standard routine, if someone is on the bench ask if you can share it alternating from your set to his or hers...you might even gain a gym buddy from it! (or a new girlfriend ahaha) As for not having to change your workout, you would still have to. It's more the specific exercises, reps, and sets your doing on each muscle group, rather than the order in which you train your bodyparts.

**Platti** · 07-01-2012 06:28 PM

Oh yeah, bench press !! Its not my gym, just one I'm thinking of heading over to in a couple of months, just about to change to a get big basic gym for a couple of weeks.

Don't get me wrong I love a plan and a goal but I was just thinking if you don't cheat yourself and really put the effort in on that particular muscle group, you'll not be able to monitor I agree but hopefully the mirror will show you the results.

**Platti** · 07-01-2012 06:30 PM

Quote

Originally Posted by macmuscle

If your gym does only have one bench, i'd advise going when it's quiet, or signing up for a different gym. If this isn't possible, i wouldn't use the method your suggesting, first of all this would result in uneven workouts. In that; you'd go to the gym, say for example lat pulldown machine is often available, you'll end up doing more work on your back than your other bodyparts. And if your working the same musclegroup afew times a week (cause the relevant equipment is free) you will not give yourself enough recovery time. Alternatively, if you plan on ensuring you do a different musclegroup each session, you may get to the end of the week, with legs still to do, and the squat rack and legpress are in use, meaning you'll still end up waiting. Also If bench press is more than often in use (if there's only one i'd imagine it would be almost in constant use! ahah) then you'll be neglecting your chest. I'd just use a standard routine, if someone is on the bench ask if you can share it alternating from your set to his or hers...you might even gain a gym buddy from it! (or a new girlfriend ahaha) As for not having to change your workout, you would still have to. It's more the specific exercises, reps, and sets your doing on each muscle group, rather than the order in which you train your bodyparts.

I'd still run with a routine of what muscle groups to train each session, just not what equipment I'd use each time.

**macmuscle** · 07-01-2012 06:32 PM

hahah that makes more sense.

**Zeigler** · 07-01-2012 06:34 PM

The short answer would be - Yes. You can train however you like or want.

But at the end of the day, if your after constant results, progression, challenges - all the things that make lifting and training awesome, you are gonna have to plan it all....in detail.

Or, just train a full body A and B and change the exercise for each body part each session.