Yet another gym question...

[soulslicer]

1. Is it true that doing weights tones your muscles, and should not be done alone without other exercises or you lose mass, and you should always do it after your main workout?

2. Secondly, If one wanted to gain mass, does using the bench press machine help? (I don't know the names of the following exercises, mind the explanation) I've been recently doing the exercise where you lift weight on the machine, one set in front of your self up and down, and another set up and down, bringing the weight behind your back. After which I proceed to do the bench presses at my desired weight setting. Would this be a good way to get going if I wanted to gain mass?

Thanks in advance...

 

[kazsymonds]

1. Is it true that doing weights tones your muscles, and should not be done alone without other exercises or you lose mass, and you should always do it after your main workout?

What does your normal workout consist of? What is your goal? (i know you've said gain mass, but are you hoping to lose fat too?) Are you training for out and out size/strength/lean muscle?

2. Secondly, If one wanted to gain mass, does using the bench press machine help? (I don't know the names of the following exercises, mind the explanation) I've been recently doing the exercise where you lift weight on the machine, one set in front of your self up and down, and another set up and down, bringing the weight behind your back. After which I proceed to do the bench presses at my desired weight setting. Would this be a good way to get going if I wanted to gain mass?

Thanks in advance...

In order to gain mass you have to lift heavier weights, fewer reps on greater weight is the best way to gain mass, and is the method used by bodybuilders. If you can do 12 reps on something (even if you struggle) the weight is too light from a mass gaining perspective.

Does the benchpress machine help what? It's probably the best way to add mass to your chest if that's what you're asking.

From your description it sounds like you are using the lat pulldown machine. Lat pulls give your...well...they give your lats a workout. If you are only doing lat pulls and bench press and you are training to add mass there are LOADS of other excercises you could/should be doing.

I am training on a 4 day split at the moment.

Monday: Chest/triceps
Tuesday: Back/biceps
Friday: Shoulder/Traps
Saturday:Legs/Abs/core muscles

I'm by no means an expert, but could probably offer you some more detailed pointers.

 

[Saturos]

Push-ups are a great way to work your back, chest, and triceps. Sit-ups are great for the abdominals and those hard to tone places. These are great and extremely basic exercises that pretty much covers everything if at any time you don't have access to gym equipment. Though probably more toning than building.

I miss that gym membership I once had. I'd be there right now If I still had it.