Working out everything vs. Workout splits

[Madd Hatter]

I think I know the answer to this, but here goes:
I go to the gym 3 times a week, rarely 4 times, for an hour. I spend 12-13 mins on an exercise bike (for cardio/fat burn or what, I don't know) and the rest of the time making the rounds on the weight machines. I probably don't use all the ones I should, but I use all I use every day (does that make sense?) and work out all groups.

Would it be more beneifical to do splits, even if it means each muscle group would only get worked out once a week? The main reason I don't do this now (besides laziness of figuring out which machines it would be on a given day), is because 45+ minutes on just two groups seems... not good to me. Or is the way I'm doing it now more detrimental? I guess I could up cardio to 30 mins and do 2 muscle groups for 30 mins, but I'm not sure that'd be enough attention. Also, I think I need to build mass more than tone, I'm 6'2" 165, 11.17% body fat for god's sake.

But like me using free weights, changing my visiting practices isn't an option at this point. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Ingram]

Well if you want to build mass then drop the cardio and hit the weights full time. Don't workout everything in one day, make a split.

1. Back/shoulders

2. Legs

3. Chest/arms

Something like this would be a good 3-day split. Whether you gain or lose weight will depend on your diet... so eat like a horse.

 

[Madd Hatter]

Well, today at the gym I did flat bench, incline bench, decline bence, db flys, and french press. I must have looked truly pathetic. I have no idea if my form was there, and I never did feel too much in my chest, though I did in my arms. After this I moved to the tricep press and pec deck machines and could not do my usual on them, I saw this as a promising sign (though it was all in my arms being weak). So today was chest (maybe?)/tri's, wed will be biceps/back, and fri will be legs/shoulders.

How many sets for each muscle group should I be doing?
Should I be doing cardio?

Though my weight is way down, I do have a lot of flab on my legs and stomach, but I want to add mass, especially to my arms. If I don't do cardio, I don't know how I'm gonna kill a full hour at the gym. And I'm still wondering if this is the right way to go. What if I'm doing incorrect form, wouldn't I be better sticking with machines? I have no partner, so it's hard to do a lot of weight. Is once a week, no matter the number of sets, enough to work the muscles? Arrgh, I wish I knew.

 

[Bluto]

Nice work Mad Hatter. I think you'll try different combos, and learn from others and find what works for you for awhile until it's time to switch it up.

It DEFINITELY pays to make sure you're form is correct. Don't worry about looking stupid with small weights, people usually give more credit to those with form than someone who has crappy form but a lot of weight. Even if you think you know, ask a trainer or someone with experience. The trainers love those questions and that's what they're there for.

Good luck!

 

[Thaibox]

Like Bluto was saying, you'll have to find what works best for you. Some dudes can do each bodypart twice a week and grow while others(like myself) would quickly overtrain from that. I'm 6'2" also, and my body responds best to heavy compound stuff (squats,deads,benches, militaries). It's tough for tall guys like us to look as good as some of the shorter dudes, but once you put on the lean mass, you'll look better than them. Just experiment and ask around gathering as much info as you can. Good luck and happy growing bro

 

[Madd Hatter]

Boy, I don't know if this is doing me any good or not. I never feel sore after my workouts, or if I do, not where I was working. I don't know if I'm doing enough sets, or enough different exercises (only do 2 or 3 per body part). I don't know if working a body part just once a week is enough. And I really don't know whether I should do cardio, as I'm torn between wanting to add mass (to my arms mostly, and chest) and getting rid of my stomach/leg flab.

 

[Bluto]

Boy, I don't know if this is doing me any good or not. I never feel sore after my workouts, or if I do, not where I was working. I don't know if I'm doing enough sets, or enough different exercises (only do 2 or 3 per body part). I don't know if working a body part just once a week is enough. And I really don't know whether I should do cardio, as I'm torn between wanting to add mass (to my arms mostly, and chest) and getting rid of my stomach/leg flab.

You're going to have to up the intensity if you're doing split training. 3-4 exercises per body part should be fine, but try increasing weight or reps until the muscles are fatigued after those 3 exercises.
Also, you should not worry too much about a pump or soreness. What does each day look like so far for you? For example, what did you do in the gym this week on each day and what exercises, sets, reps, heavy or light?