How to Save Time in the Gym with Multi Joint Exercises

Multiple-joint strength-training exercises save you workout time and show greater strength improvements as you use heavier amounts of weight. The difference between single-joint exercises such as arm curls and leg extensions and multi-joint exercises such as the bench press and squat, is the number of joints used. For example, during an arm curl, you only move your elbow. In contrast, during a bench press, your elbows and shoulders move to perform the exercise. The use of multi-joint exercises gives you a total body strengthening workout in a shorter amount of time than a single-joint routine.

Instructions

    • 1

      Warm up before you strength train with full-body movements such as jumping rope, jogging, cycling, or using the elliptical trainer.

    • 2

      Select eight to 10 upper-body, multi-joint exercises. Include the shoulder press, bench press, lat pull-down, seated row, bent-over row, chin-ups and triceps dips. Use a combination of bodyweight, weight machine and free weight exercises to provide workout variety and muscle stimulation.

    • 3

      Select three to four lower-body, multi-joint exercises. Use exercises such as the squat, leg press, lunge, sumo squat, step-ups, kettlebell swings and squat jumps. Provide workout variety, and avoid overuse injuries when you include a selection of exercises that use your bodyweight, weight machines and free weights.

    • 4

      Perform one to three sets of eight to 12 repetitions on each of your multi-joint exercises. Rest for 60 seconds between sets. Select a weight amount that creates muscular fatigue during the final two repetitions of each set.

    • 5

      Perform your exercises using a full range of motion. Breathe normally as you train. Use a slow and controlled pace, such as two seconds to do the exercise and three to four seconds to release from the exercise.

    • 6

      Complete your workout two or three days a week with at least one day of rest between sessions.