THE STRONG TABLE / TRAINING PROGRAMSAll adults · Gym · Beginner

MUSCLE / 3 DAYS PER WEEK / ABOUT 40 MINUTES

Stable setup · machine-led muscle

Reduce setup complexity while increasing effort

Stable machines and supported movements make repeatable effort easier for some users. Research does not make machines uniquely superior; progress and challenging weekly volume do the work.

Schedule3 days each weekTypical sessionAbout 40 minutesEquipmentGymStarting levelBeginnerIntended audienceAll adults

Your weekly sessions

SESSION 1 / Stable setup, full-body effort

Machine A

Stable setup, full-body effort

  1. Leg press — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

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

  2. Lat pulldown — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

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

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

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

  4. Seated hamstring curl — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Hamstrings and posterior chain. Curl smoothly and return slowly.

SESSION 2 / Repeatable angles and leg balance

Machine B

Repeatable angles and leg balance

  1. Leg press — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

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

  2. Chest-supported row — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

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

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

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

  4. Hip thrust — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

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

SESSION 3 / Alternate angles and controlled reps

Full body C

Alternate angles and controlled reps

  1. Leg press — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

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

  2. Chest-supported row — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

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

  3. Floor push-up — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Pectorals, anterior shoulders and triceps. Keep a long body line and press the floor away.

  4. Seated hamstring curl — 3 × 8–12 · 90 sec rest

    Hamstrings and posterior chain. Curl smoothly and return slowly.

How to progress

Weeks 1–2: use 2 sets on each movement to establish technique. Weeks 3–6: use the listed sets; add reps while keeping 1–3 in reserve. Weeks 7–8: add a small load once every set reaches the top of its range. Add optional volume only if recovery and performance remain good.

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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