Hi all

yimrsg

Just introducing myself to the fitness gang, I've been a long time reader and decided to take the plunge and join in.

I recently volunteered as part of a scientific study at my uni looking at the more effective method of increasing muscle; comparing concentric vs eccentric movements (that's lifting vs lowering, I think!) As such I got to use some of the equipment available in the university gym, crosstrainers, bikes and weights machines. As the study is over 3 months I decided to adopt a healthier diet and also keep a log of my activity. I read up on the stickies and started eating tuna and salad (wholewheat!) wraps instead of shop bought sandwiches, having fruit to hand if needed and adding green veg to dinner when I can.

I'm about 6 weeks in and although I haven't weighed myself I'm fairly certain to have shifted some fat around the belly. Recently I got a inch tape to keep track of chest, waist etc. measurements so at least I can monitor where I'm making progress. I've not taken this decision with a specific goal in mind more as a lifestyle change, choosing healthier options where I can and not taking the easy option of a frozen goodfellas pizza!

I was hoping to get some advice on upper body weights training, as the study requires that I cannot do any weight training on my legs outside of the study exercises as doing so would affect the data. The gym has bench press, vertical rower and vertical traction machines to use, what would you guys think would be the best workout sequence during a week involving those machines so that I wouldn't be overworking a particular muscle group?

eg.
Mon-bench press
Wed-vertical rower
Fri-vertical traction

Anyway thanks for reading and welcoming your advice.

Khannie

Welcome.

Are you not allowed to use free weights? (i.e. are you restricted to using those machines?)

yimrsg

Khannie wrote: »

Welcome.

Are you not allowed to use free weights? (i.e. are you restricted to using those machines?)

There is none in the gym, it's more restricted in that sense because I imagine their only interested in working specific muscles. It is a bit limiting but I am getting free use of it so I can't exactly complain!