I joined a gym at the beginning of 2023, and I've been lifting weights 3x a week. I have 2 different workouts that I alternate each gym visit.
Workout A:
Deadlifts
Dumb Bell Bench Press
Dumb Bell Bicep Curls
Tricep Extensions (Cable)
Seated Rows (Cable)
Workout B:
Walking Lunges
Dumb Bell Shoulder Press
Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Calf Raises
Chest Fly (Machine)
I do 3 sets of each exercise, trying to take each set very close to failure, except on deadlifts. On deadlifts, I do 5 sets, gradually increasing the weight on each set, lifting heavy only on the last set. I try to get somewhere between 8 and 12 reps on each set. I rest for about 3-4 minutes between each set. If I am able to do more than 12 reps, I increase the weight on that exercise for the next gym visit. Usually on the first day when I have increased weight, I can do about 8 or 9 reps on my first attempt, so it works out pretty well.
My main goal right now is to grow my upper body. My arms have always been very skinny, even when compared to my lower body. I have never been very proportional. So I'm not too concerned about growing my lower body, more concerned about muscular endurance down there. Of course, I want those muscles to get stronger, but I'm not trying to grow them as fast as my upper body. Since starting this routine, I have gained 5 pounds, my biceps have gotten about 1 inch bigger, my chest and back are noticeably more defined, and I have definitely gotten stronger.
PROGRESS:
When I started in January, I started with very light weight and increased each session. I didn't start taking sets to failure until mid February. Here has been my progress since then:
Bench:
Feb - 35 lbs in each hand
Today - 50 lbs in each hand
Bicep Curl:
Feb - 20 lbs in each hand
Today - 30 lbs in each hand
Tricep Ext. Cable:
Feb - 45 lbs
Today - 60 lbs
Seated Rows Cable:
Feb - 95 lbs
Today - 110 lbs
Shoulder Press:
Feb - 25 lbs in each hand
Today - 35 lbs in each hand
Lat Pulldown:
Feb - 110 lbs
Today - 135 lbs
Calf Raises:
Feb - 180 lbs
Today - 230 lbs
*I usually do 12-15 reps on this exercise, since this is a smaller muscle.
Chest Fly:
Feb - 105 lbs
Today - 130 lbs
I've definitely enjoyed the challenge, and I'm pleased with my progress so far. I hope I stay motivated and healthy to continue.