Workouts for a Busy Gym
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Gyms are busy. Too busy. And it is always busiest when you settle in for your Turbulence Training workout with its awesome fat-blasting supersets.
I know it drives you nuts when you are trying to pair lunges and presses while someone is taking up valuable workout space chatting or doing some pointless fluff exercise. Why can't they just get out of your way and let you finish your super effective Turbulence Training workout?
Crowded gyms are such a big problem that I designed the following Turbulence Training workout that helps you perform my trademark "noncompeting" supersets - the most effective way to lift for fat loss - without letting anyone get in your way. This new version of Turbulence Training lets you get it done right, even in a busy gym.
The secret to this workout is the pairing of two exercises that can be done at the same bench and often with the same weights. So you won't lose your spot between exercises. Camp out in your little area, work hard, and you'll get lean and lose fat faster than ever.
NOTE: This workout originally ran in Men's Fitness magazine, but I've actually improved the workout just for you! Always looking out for my Turbulence Training subscribers.
Workout Guidelines
Warm-up
- 10 reps of bodyweight squats or step-ups
- 20 seconds for the plank
- 8 reps of kneeling pushups or regular pushups
- 10 reps of inverted bodyweight rowing exercise or band pull
- 1 set of 8 reps with 50% of the weight you will use in your "real" sets.
- 1 set of 8 reps with 75% of the weight you will use in your "real" sets.
Turbulence Training Interval Training Guidelines
Beginner Interval Workout:
Advanced Interval Workout
Workout A
1A) Wide-stance Squat (8 reps) - Set your feet 4-6 inches wider than shoulder width, your toes pointed forward.- This superset works best if performed in a squat rack that also has a chin-up bar.
1B) Chin-ups (6 reps) - If this is too hard, perform a Reverse-grip Lat Pulldown. - Rest 1 minute and then go back to Squats. - Do this Superset 3 times and then move on to the next Superset.
2A) Barbell Step-ups (8 reps per leg) - Use a step that's high enough so that your knee is bent 90 degrees. - If you have to use DB's for the step-ups, take an extra 30 seconds rest when going from the step-ups to the rows.
2B) DB or Barbell Row (8 reps) - Keep your lower back naturally arched. - Rest 1 minute and then go back to Step-ups. - Do this Superset 3 times and then move on to the next Superset.
3A) Side Plank (5 reps per side) - Contract and brace your abs for 10 seconds per repetition while keeping your body in a straight line.
3B) Stability Ball Jackknife (12 reps) - Rest 30 seconds and then go back to Side Plank. - Do this Superset 3 times and then go to the Intervals.
Workout B
1A) Low-Incline DB Chest Press (8 reps) - Set the incline to one notch above the flat-bench position.1B) DB or Barbell Romanian Deadlift (8 reps) - Keep your lower back naturally arched for the entire movement. - Rest 1 minute and then go back to 1A. - Do this Superset 3 times and then move on to the next Superset.
2A) DB Close-grip Chest Press (8 reps) - Push the dumbbells straight up, not together.
2B) DB Rear-deltoid Lateral Raise (8 reps) - Keep a tight arch in lower back and lean forward as far as possible. - Perform this exercise extra slowly so that you don't use momentum. - Rest 1 minute and then go back to 2A. - Do this Superset 3 times and then move on to the next Superset.
3A) Elevated Push-up (12 reps per side) - Place one hand on a 4-inch step or box and lower your body as far as possible.
3B) Stability Ball Rollout (15 reps) - Keep your body in a straight line at all times--don't allow your back to round or bend backward.
Take a before and after picture and some measurements to monitor your progress.
If you enjoyed this workout, the Turbulence Training 21 day Trial Offer is available for only $4.95.
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, Turbulence Training
About the Author:
Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Men’s Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week. For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat withwithout long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment.
For reviews of Turbulence Training workouts go to Turbulence Training Workout Review


