Ok... so about a month ago - i changed jobs (polite way to say i got layed off) and took pretty big salary hit... i've had to come up with ways to save money (ex: changed my cell plan and told people not to text me), and i decided to cancel my membership to the gym i go to and go to the one provided by my apartment complex. yes, this means a bootleg gym. today, i went over there and took a look at everything: Machines, machines, machines, and more machines... But i figure maybe i can get something out of them... i'll be moving to a cheaper area in 2 months, so i only have to use this equipment for that long... here's what's there (all are life fitness):

Machines:
Chest Press
Lat Pulldown
Bicep Curl
Tricep Extension
Leg Extension
Seated Leg Curl
Seated Leg Press

Dumbells:
25, 30, 40, 45, 50 lbs...
Dumbell Bench (Adjustable)


Then the typical cardio machines...


I plan to do cardio 30 minutes a day 4 days a week... and then do weights 3 days a week... i would like to keep the weight workout in the 30-45 minute range... are any of these machines worth a sh!t? maybe i should learn some dumbell exercises to supplement for the lack of barbells?


any idea on what i might be able to get some use out of and what is complete crap - would be helpful.

well since your bulking up it would mainly have to do with your diet. so eat and go heavy as u can on those machines for now.

Bodyweight is better than machines. Also you may be able to use those dumb bells

You can get some headway using the leg press and the lat pulldown. You would probably do alright with the chest press, but preferably use dumbbells.

What kind of dumbbells do they have?

Do they have any plates?