Thanks
@Happycamper ! I'll try to describe our upper body routines in general....
First, we've been training together for years and largely do the same workouts together - albeit with different weight etc. But since we're partners, we're always there to help the other reach failure and push through a couple more reps. Also, the last couple years,, we've been good about getting a few negatives in after failure. So, I think no matter what you do for a routine, achieving failure is the key - and you need a partner/coach/trainer there to get there (safely).
Two, she's a Form Nazi. Everyone here on this forum pretty much knows that correct form trumps big weight anyday. Swinging big weights is just an illusion of strength any way. Controlled, strict movements is what it's all about. Plus,if you plan on bodybuilding your entire life, preserving your joints is important. Bluedress can hoist some serious weight, but often, for some exercises, she looks like she's keeping it lower than what she looks like she can lift. Again, exhaustion and reaching failure is the key.
So typical chest day:
Flat Bench Press - 4-5 sets of flat bench (6-10 reps)
Incline Barbell Press - 4-5 sets, medium to wide grip (6-10 reps)
Incline DB Flys - 4-5 sets supersetted with close-grip DB press (8-10 reps)
Cable Cross overs - 4 sets (10-12 reps) [Sometimes we switch up the angles]
*** Usually finish with some abs or Cardio or both.
(VERY deliberate about trying to hiold and "squeeze" at the end of every contraction.)
Back:
Wide Lat Pull Downs - 4-5 sets (8-10)
***Sometimes will do Narrow Grip Pull-Ups (she'll often use the assisted machine to get through) 6-16 reps. {Side note: learned from a Cirque du Soleil performer to do these right and buid strength - one of the best tips ever!}
Cable Low Rows - 4 sets (6-10) or, 1-Armed DB Rows (8-10)
Close-Grip Cable Pull Downs - 4 sets (8-10) Supersetted with Standing Cable Row (8-10)
Back extensions w/25-35lb weight - 100 reps - Usually 5 sets of 20
*** Rarely deadlifts, but we do occasionally because I want to. (She does do stiff-leg deadlifts though to hit hams and glutes)
Biceps:
Standing EZ Bar Curls - 4-5 sets (8-12)
Incline Alternating DB curls supersetted with DB Hammers Curls -4-5 sets (8-12)
Concentration Curls -4 sets or Standing Cable Curls Dropset
**** Usually we superset Abs in with one or even two of these exercises
Triceps:
Skull Crushers - 4-5 sets (10 reps) supersetted w/ close grip EZ bar press (10 reps)
Seated, two-hand behind the head DB presses - 4-sets (8-10)
Rope handle Cable Press downs supersetted with overhead rope extensions - 4 sets (8-10)
Dips - 3-4 sets (8-20) {depending on how she feels - assisted}
**** Usually we superset Abs in with one or even two of these exercises
Shoudlers:
Seated Arnold DB Presses supersetted with Seated Bent-over DB rearflys -4 sets (8-10)
Front DB Raises (some alternate and some together) - 4-5 sets (8-12) reps
Side Db Lateral Raises - 4-5 sets (8-12 reps)
Adjustable-arm Cable machine overhead, reverse rear pulls - 4sets (8-12)
*** No military press at our gym, but occasionally use a machine
So mix it up too and will tow 2 of the last three together or one alone with extra cardio/abs etc. We are guilty of not mixing them up as often as we should but this upper body routine generally works for us.'
Hope this helps! PM me anytime you want to know more.