Thread: Newcomer to Real Fitness

Hey all,

I've been lurking the forums for a while now and I've decided to finally make my first post. When I decided to simply "lose weight" last June, I did it with the goal of just "getting skinny" in mind. About 6 months later in November, I decided to start going to a gym so I could gain muscle, because I could no longer do things I could when I was far more overweight. Since then, I've been hunting for more and more information about fitness in my ultimate quest to just look good, but have the performance to back it up.

Since June, I've gone from 265 > 215lbs, 44 > 36" waist, and have increased my flat bench weight by 70lbs (135 > 205). I'm really happy with the results I'm seeing, however I want to take it to the next level and get real. I have muscle, but I can't see it. I need to do a real cut, and I guess the advice I need is what can I do to "get cuts." What kind of workout should I be doing, how much running should I do and at what intensity, how should I manage my diet, and how the hell do I "get abs" anyway? I've read most of the stickies, but I guess some extra help doesn't hurt.

Again, Hi to everyone!

My routine is Monday + Thursday Upper, Tuesday + Friday Lower, Wednesday + Saturday + Sunday rest.

Upper Routine:
Biceps (DB / Preacher / Barbell curls, depending on which I feel like doing)
Triceps (Pulldowns, dips)
Chest (Incline Bench, DB Decline Bench)
Shoulders (Military Press)
Back (Lat pulldowns)

Lower Routine:
Leg Extensions
Hamstring Curls
Leg Press
Calf Raises

I do sit-ups every day, and jump rope for about 15 minutes. My diet is:

7 AM: Protein shake + Multivitamin
10 AM: Subway Sandwich (it's all they sell at my school )
1 PM: Drink (usually a Snapple or Nutrament sports drink)
4 PM: Drink (protein shake)
7 PM: Solid meal (white rice w/ chicken, usually)
Later that night: Cottage cheese, 1srv.

I've been doing this for a while, but it's really not going as fast as I'd have liked it to. If you all want any other info, just ask.

Welcome to IM.

Another great intro.

Nice progress you've made.Keep it going bro.

I didn't see much cardio in there bro.The sit ups and rope jumping are cool,but try adding some running or even better,an elliptical trainer.These are great calorie burners with no impact.

Good luck brother.