Quickest way to upper body definition?

Elessar

I'm looking for some advice on building upper body tone/definition. I've just joined Northwood and I got a fitness plan from the instructor. I start with the bike for 10 mins as a warmup, then 10 mins on the treadmill and step machine thing for some cardio. I'm then onto the weight machines for chest, arms and shoulders (so far, there are more).

I will do this for one or maybe two hours each day for hopefully 3-4 days a week. But my main goal is upper body strength and definition - what is the quickest/most effiicient way to achieve this? Since I'm not used to this my arms get tired very quickly and I have to take breaks very often.

Should I just continue with these weights for say 70% of my time in the gym and the rest on cardio?

Advice appreciated.

Al_Fernz

Elessar wrote: »

my main goal is upper body strength and definition - what is the quickest/most effiicient way to achieve this?

By doing a weight training routine that stimulates all muscle groups (yes legs too) and is based on compound lifting movements such as the barbell squat, deadlift, bench press, bent over row etc.

Elessar

Al_Fernz wrote: »

By doing a weight training routine that stimulates all muscle groups (yes legs too) and is based on compound lifting movements such as the barbell squat, deadlift, bench press, bent over row etc.

Can you explain what these are?

dv6

go to exrx.net, excellant resource which will tell you how to do all of the above mentioned exercises and more. Can use it to map out a full routine for yourself. Try to use the free weights rather than the machines as they are more beneficial.

Brian?

or tell your gym instructor that you want to do free weights and have them go through it with you, that way you have someone to check your form

Irishcrx

Form is very important, I see lads at the gym wasting there time, they look like there attacking the weights, not fully extending there arms on the lift etc, get an instructor to go through the free weights with you and tell him what it is you want to achieve...

pvt.joker

I wouldnt just concentrate on upper body also. You'll end up looking like a chicken with all upper body work and no leg work.
If you're not into squats/benchpress etc I'd recommend the following:

Incline dumbbell/barbell press
Deadlifts
Chinups