THE STRONG TABLE / TRAINING PROGRAMSAll adults · Gym · Beginner

MAINTENANCE / 2 DAYS PER WEEK / ABOUT 30 MINUTES

Machine maintenance · simple and repeatable

Preserve consistency with low setup friction

Two supported sessions cover legs, push, pull and posterior chain. If loads or reps fall for several weeks, review sleep, food intake and volume rather than accepting a steadily declining baseline.

Schedule2 days each weekTypical sessionAbout 30 minutesEquipmentGymStarting levelBeginnerIntended audienceAll adults

Your weekly sessions

SESSION 1 / Stable setup, full-body effort

Machine A · compact

Stable setup, full-body effort

  1. Leg press — 2 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Quadriceps with glute support. Use a controlled range with the back supported.

  2. Lat pulldown — 2 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Lats, rhomboids, mid-back and biceps. Pull elbows toward ribs while keeping your chest tall.

  3. Dumbbell bench press — 2 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Pectorals, anterior shoulders and triceps. Set shoulder blades and press weights over the chest.

  4. Seated hamstring curl — 2 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Hamstrings and posterior chain. Curl smoothly and return slowly.

SESSION 2 / Repeatable angles and leg balance

Machine B · compact

Repeatable angles and leg balance

  1. Leg press — 2 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Quadriceps with glute support. Use a controlled range with the back supported.

  2. Chest-supported row — 2 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Lats, rhomboids, mid-back and biceps. Keep chest against the pad and row without swinging.

  3. Dumbbell overhead press — 2 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Deltoids and upper-back stabilizers. Press upward with ribs stacked over pelvis.

  4. Hip thrust — 2 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Gluteus maximus and hip stabilizers. Drive through feet and finish with ribs over pelvis.

How to progress

Weeks 1–2: find repeatable loads, leaving 2 reps in reserve. Weeks 3–6: keep the same rep quality and resistance; do not automatically add volume. Weeks 7–8: compare key lifts with your starting log. If performance drops repeatedly, add a set or a second weekly exposure before adding intensity.

Adjust the plan to your starting point

Start at the lower set and rep targets. Keep about 2 reps in reserve; stop a set when technique changes.

Recovery and weekly placement

Place an easier day between demanding sessions for the same muscles. On non-training days, walk or move comfortably. Include 3–8 minutes of warming up within the session budget; use lighter practice sets before heavy lifts. Reduce work if soreness or fatigue prevents good technique.

Continue building your plan

Use the exercise library to review technique, then explore sport guides, recipes and planning tools to fit the week around your life.

Open the training builderFind sport-specific trainingBrowse free recipesRead the evidence reviews

General fitness education. Choose loads and ranges that match your ability. This program is not individualized medical care and does not guarantee a particular result.

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