NEWBIE - please help!!!

[rhancill]

Hi,
First of all this board has inspired me to improve my diet, fitness and body look. I have carefully studied many threads on this site, and now have decided that its time to start!

Im 22, not overweight but have a slight belly etc. My diet until 2 weeks ago consisted of junk food 75% of the time. For the last 2 weeks I have changed my diet and lifestyle considerably. I now have minimal fat intake and have 5-6 meals a day. These have high carb and protein levels. I think my diet has improved greatly. I am drinking lots of water, about 5 pints per day (i live in England, not sure how many gallons that is!)

I use the Gym 3 times a week now, but am not sure where to start really. I have been mainly doing cardio and a few weights. I will start weights more when bodyfat is a little lower.

My goal is to have a more muscular body, abs etc and be generally fit. I am not really interested in massive muscles like a wrestler or something!

Can anyone give me any advice on what routines to start with in the Gym. Your help will be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Rusty]

Welcome......

 

[rhancill]

PS there is a pic of me attached!

 

[Scotty the Body]

Welcome to the board

I think you should worry about putting muscle on, your really not fat just skinny, you'd look much better putting some meat on them bones.

Can you afford a trainer? If you could get one to show you how to use the equipment and proper form, that would be a big help and worth the couple bucks you may put out.

As far as routines, I would keep things basic, learn proper form on things like squats and deadlifts.

Here's a link to a site that can show you different exercises and what muscle they're for. :http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html

 

[Arnold]

It sounds like you're on track, how about posting your work-out routine/schedule and your daily diet.

 

[DaMayor]

Welcome! Listen and learn my friend. There are a lot of knowledgeable folks here. Good luck!

 

[MeanCuts]

Originally posted by rhancill
Im 22, not overweight but have a slight belly etc. My diet until 2 weeks ago consisted of junk food 75% of the time. For the last 2 weeks I have changed my diet and lifestyle considerably. I now have minimal fat intake and have 5-6 meals a day. These have high carb and protein levels. I think my diet has improved greatly. I am drinking lots of water, about 5 pints per day (i live in England, not sure how many gallons that is!)

I use the Gym 3 times a week now, but am not sure where to start really. I have been mainly doing cardio and a few weights. I will start weights more when bodyfat is a little lower.

Welcome to the board
If you want to lose bodyfat i'd wouldn't go high carb maybe try high protien,moderate carb and low fat.Why start lifting weights more after you lower your bodyfat?Weight training is a great way to boost your metabolism which will burn more fat for you

 

[rhancill]

Thanks for the response,

I thought the best way to build muscles is to lower body fat first, then take in more calories in order to bulk up?? Should i not reduce calorie intake first to lower fat then start building muscles? From what i have read on here that is the process to take, or can i start weights and lose fat at the same time? Im confused.

Since i first posted this i can already see a difference in my arms and stomach so something is working!

thanks for taking time to read

(new pic attached)

 

[MeanCuts]

Originally posted by rhancill
Thanks for the response,

I thought the best way to build muscles is to lower body fat first, then take in more calories in order to bulk up?? Should i not reduce calorie intake first to lower fat then start building muscles? From what i have read on here that is the process to take, or can i start weights and lose fat at the same time? Im confused.

Since i first posted this i can already see a difference in my arms and stomach so something is working!

thanks for taking time to read

(new pic attached)

Bro I think your a candidate for gaining muscle while losing bf.I'd eat a clean moderate calorie diet(high protein of course) with weight training and cardio you should make some great gains.PS I'd supplement with a high potency multi-vitamin and whey protein for a post-workout shake remember to add carbs to your shake.

 

[rhancill]

I always hear protein shake mentioned. I have never seen it in the UK, is it a specialist store only? Do i have to buy this or can i make it myself?

I normally eat a can of tuna after workout.

 

[Arnold]

Originally posted by rhancill
I normally eat a can of tuna after workout.

not the best post work-out meal.

a whey protein shake is best (can be utilized quickly), you also need carbs post work-out.