Here is one of my current workout routines for training shoulders, chest, and triceps
Regardless of the workout plan, I always start with at least 5 minutes of warm-up and stretching exercises.1. Shoulders workout (prioritized muscle group)
Exercises: Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press and Cable Lateral RaisesSeated Dumbbell Overhead
Set 1: 20 kg (~44 lbs) × 15 repsSet 2: 24 kg (~53 lbs) × 12 reps
Set 3: 26 kg (~57 lbs) × 8 reps [Failure]Set 4: 26 kg (~57 lbs) × 5 reps [Failure]
- [Failure] = reaching the point where one more repetition was impossible without a spotter's help.
a) delts are worked more efficiently due to the better stability of the back and shoulders which reduces the need for involvement from the core, allowing you to lift more with a correct form;
b) more flexibility in adjusting the movement than barbell overhead press to avoid joint injury;
c) it allows me to have a good stretch of the shoulder;
d) I get a great pump and DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) in the front delts almost every time on the second day.
Cable Lateral Raises
Set 1: 15 kg (~33 lbs) × 12 repsSet 2: 20 kg (~44lbs) × 12 reps
Set 3: 20 kg (~44lbs) × 12 reps
Some benefits of Cable Lateral Raises I've noticed so far are:
a) it gives a balanced shape to my shoulders and makes them appear broader;
b) it allows for a greater range of motion compared to dumbbell lateral raises and it provides constant tension on the muscle throughout the movement;
c) Cable Lateral Raises have low injury risk as long as you aim for 8-12 reps per set with a correct form;
d) by changing the cable's angle or pulley's height, you can target more or less different areas of the side delt and find the motion that feels good for your joints, avoiding abnormal pain which can be a risk injury indicator.
2. Chest workout (prioritized muscle group)
Exercises: Flat Bench Dumbbell Press and Incline Barbell Bench PressFlat Bench Dumbbell Press
Set 1: 20 kg (~44 lbs) × 15 repsSet 2: 26 kg (~57 lbs) × 12 reps
Set 3: 28 kg (~62 lbs) × 8 reps
Set 4: 28 kg (~57 lbs) × 8 reps
Some of the benefits of the Flat Bench Dumbbell I got in my training:
a) allows for a greater range of motion compared to the barbell bench press;
b) more natural movement patterns, minimizing shoulder joint stress and reducing injury risk;
c) less pressure on the elbows;
d) promoting symmetrical muscle development (my right pectoralis was a little smaller than the left at the beginning of my after-40 fitness journey, now, after 12 months of consistent training, they're almost perfectly even).
Incline Barbell Bench Press
Set 1: 50 kg (~110 lbs) × 12 repsSet 2 [Drop Set]: 70 kg (~154 lbs) × 4 reps PLUS 5 reps with 50 kg (~110 lbs)
Set 3: 60 kg (~ 132 lbs) × 6 reps [Failure]
Benefits of Incline Barbell Bench Press in My Training:
a) it increased my shoulder stability by strengthening the anterior deltoids;b) improved upper chest development;c) less stress rotator cuff.
3. Triceps workout
Seated Overhead Tricep Extension with an E-Z Curl Bar
Set 1: 8 kg (~18 lbs) × 50 reps [Warm-up]- When I feel like I need it, I first do a warm-up set with a very lightweight and many reps to get the blood flowing into the joints to prevent injury.
Set 3: 38 kg (~84 lbs) × 6 reps
Set 4: 38 kg (~84 lbs) × 6 reps
Set 5: 38 kg (~84 lbs) × 6 [Failure]
Seated Overhead Tricep Extension with an E-Z Curl Bar benefits in My Training:
a) E-Z bar lets my wrists and forearms assume a more natural position than a straight bar;
b) excellent for stretching the long head of the triceps;
c) I got a bigger and stronger triceps with this exercise;
d) I get DOMS every single time I do this exercise.