7 minutes ago, rattlesnake said:

No argument from me there, but we are all built differently and if you are in tune with yourself, you know whether or not you are doing well. Whether that takes 1 or 10 hours on an exercise contraption (combined with various other factors) depends on the individual, which is why I am always wary of those who preach what works for them as if it were some universal rule.

Over time many have researched what works for the average person regarding weights. They have come to certain conclusions which has any person working out enough to stimulate growth, harden the muscles and increase strength. Weight training is done for those reasons, as there are other methods of exercise that can work the whole body also.

Anyone can benefit from the routines set forth in the books or magazines. What works for anyone can work for you, but eventually you'll know what exercises to do more of, and add some as you get more into training to shock the muscles. There are basic exercises a person can stick with the rest of their lives and still make gains, and there are additional exercises that can fine tune your body's development.

No one needs more than 3 days a week to make gains, but you can work a split routine, where you work out every body part twice in 6 days time. That's usually after you've been training awhile and if you want more gains, but over training can happen then so the exercises have to be varied, along with one light and one heavy day during those 6 days per bodypart.

Those 3 days a week still are enough for anyone, and you only need to work out around an hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the routine. 2 bodyparts needing a little longer than just one.

You can get it done in an hours time if you superset, an example training chest and back on the same day, alternating from a chest exercise to a back one with no rest. 3 sets per exercise is plenty after a warmup set. When you're in expat years, those 3 days a week are plenty, and an hour and a half is enough, IF you aren't wasting time on your phone or talking to others.

Edited June 30Jun 30 by fredwiggy

40 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Over time many have researched what works for the average person regarding weights. They have come to certain conclusions which has any person working out enough to stimulate growth, harden the muscles and increase strength. Weight training is done for those reasons, as there are other methods of exercise that can work the whole body also.

Anyone can benefit from the routines set forth in the books or magazines. What works for anyone can work for you, but eventually you'll know what exercises to do more of, and add some as you get more into training to shock the muscles. There are basic exercises a person can stick with the rest of their lives and still make gains, and there are additional exercises that can fine tune your body's development.

No one needs more than 3 days a week to make gains, but you can work a split routine, where you work out every body part twice in 6 days time. That's usually after you've been training awhile and if you want more gains, but over training can happen then so the exercises have to be varied, along with one light and one heavy day during those 6 days per bodypart.

Those 3 days a week still are enough for anyone, and you only need to work out around an hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the routine. 2 bodyparts needing a little longer than just one.

You can get it done in an hours time if you superset, an example training chest and back on the same day, alternating from a chest exercise to a back one with no rest. 3 sets per exercise is plenty after a warmup set. When you're in expat years, those 3 days a week are plenty, and an hour and a half is enough, IF you aren't wasting time on your phone or talking to others.

I prefer lifting my own weight, personally. Press-ups (push-ups) are the ultimate exercise (and yes, they are extremely beneficial for core strengthening as you have explained) and I have done them all my life. Usually one session per week and it has worked out fine for me. Also abdominal crunches, occasionally the plank, leg exercises and about 30 minutes per week on the treadmill. Nothing too strenuous, regularity is key.

Edited June 30Jun 30 by rattlesnake

On 6/30/2026 at 5:03 AM, Rockyroad said:

I admire Buddy Guy and Clint Eastwood. Perfected their craft. Brought joy to the world.

Patts would have a 500 roid boys. None of them bring joy to the world and most women don't like the roid look.

especially the tiny testicles lol

19 hours ago, rattlesnake said:

I prefer lifting my own weight, personally. Press-ups (push-ups) are the ultimate exercise (and yes, they are extremely beneficial for core strengthening as you have explained) and I have done them all my life. Usually one session per week and it has worked out fine for me. Also abdominal crunches, occasionally the plank, leg exercises and about 30 minutes per week on the treadmill. Nothing too strenuous, regularity is key.

I agree- it is a subjective issue really- I try to stay fit- and I have a regime that works for me and so far I am not dead, so it is working for me

At the gym in the condo I used to live in there was a chap there I saw 5 or 6 times a week when I was in the gym

We got talking- he was very heavily built with muscles on his muscles- but he told me that for the last 7 or 8 years the heaviest weight he lifted was 15kg

He just got to a shape he was happy to maintain and wanted to work on cardio

As ever we all are different and as we all now it takes different strokes for different folks I guess