A newbs story, and 1st post...looking for advice

JAlfiler · 08-Sep-04, 02:47 PM

Here's my story...
A few years back, I was in, I believe, alright shape. It was my high school years, and I was feeling my best and was a very active person. Although I never really paid attention to what I ate or my diet...I felt the best I have ever felt. I never really had a muscular build, but I had an okay toned build(not close to ripped, but you can see some definition). After high school, every thing went downhill(I know, its all my fault...but its time I do something about it)

Okay, in all honesty, I have not been to a gym, or had much of any kind of work out in a few years(I am now 23). I smoke, drink, and eat fast food everyday. I sleep late, and wake up early to work a boring full time job, in which I just sit in a chair all day long, the only time I get up is to go on break, or use the rest room. When I get home, I flip on the TV and just lie there for hours at a time. When I see people I haven't seen in awhile, their first response is "What happened to you?...your getting chubby" I know, I know

I have became a loser!

Now its time for all that to change!!! I believe my will power and motivation is at its highest, and I believe I have what it takes to get back into shape, and feel the best I have ever felt my whole entire life. I stopped smoking completely, but honestly I still drink...but I cut down from everyday, to just on Friday. I even switched to that Michelob ultra light beer, 2.6g carbs(eventually, I will totally quit beer). I have just purchase a gym pass, and am very much into going to the gym. I can't wait till I get off work, just so I can go to the gym.

I am not very familiar with work outs, routines, diets, supplements, etc....so you will find me hanging around the forum a lot asking for advise, and such things. And I'm also looking forward to getting to know all the regulars on this forum.

So now that my story is out of the way.......

...What would some of you suggest as a start out routine? Should I do full body workouts, along with cardio to get my muscles in shape, then gradually work to concentrating on specific muscles on a routine basis?

...I will have a lot more questions coming....so any help or advise will be greatly appreciated

Lift2Live · 08-Sep-04, 03:47 PM

Just my opinion here so, you may get a different response from another person obviously but. . . What I would do first is get your body re-acclimated to activity. Since you smoked, your lungs are not going to be at 100%, so you oxygen flow is going to be lower etc,... I would start out getting your body 'used to' exercise again. This in my mind means a bit more cardio than weightlifting but it will really help down the road. Circuit training is not a bad idea maybe twice a week to start getting your muscles into a working condition for the gym. Biggest thing though, get rid of the fast food forever. I know it tastes good and is easy to get but it's not going to help you do anything but clog arteries and raise blood pressure etc,... Start finding "clean" foods you like e.g. brown rice, chicken, tuna, turkey, cottage cheese, there are thousands really, those are just examples. It's going to take some time to get everything in order but, you will be so glad you did!

Gotta say congratulations on the decision to get fit and healthy! Remember, it's a lifestyle change.

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Macz28 · 08-Sep-04, 04:03 PM

I have the same problem that you did. After high school, I just laid back, started eating out more often(almost every day). I actually have 35lbs in my gut alone that I need to get off me, from smoking, drinking and eating out too much. The first few weeks will be really hard, I would advise to start slow. First off, get rid of all junk food(chips, cookies and so forth) in your house, and replace them with something healthier, maybe some fruits and def some protein bars. Start running again, eat healthier, and work out a little bit. I don't know what your goal is besides losing weight, but just stick with it for a good few months, and you will start to see a difference in your body, I know I have

JAlfiler · 08-Sep-04, 04:04 PM

Thanks for the advice! I know this whole change is going to be a on going learning process, so I welcome all advice anybody has to offer...

...I guess I do cardio, and bodyweight training(situps, pull ups, push ups, etc...) to warm up my muscles...Then start hitting the weight at the gym. Does that sound right? How long should I do this before I start using actual weights?

Oh yeah....and for the record....my Girlfriend and I have made a pledge to be anti-fast food, LOL.

Klinger · 08-Sep-04, 05:03 PM

I was just like you, man. 194 pounds at 5-11. Not huge but definitely overweight.

I ran three times a week for three months, then started lifting twice a week, full-body workouts. If I had it to do all over again, I would run three days a week and lift weights three days, taking one day off.

Start counting your calories and charting your food intake. Don't be discouraged by slow progress and don't get too down if you skip a couple days. Just chalk it up and keep plugging away. Fitness will become second nature before you know it!

JAlfiler · 08-Sep-04, 05:19 PM

....I was having a conversation with a friend a couple months back, and he told me..."What do you mean you don't go to the gym!?!?...working out is like having sex...you shouldn't pass up the opertunity unless you just got done getting worked" ...he had me laughing, then I was like...."whoa! you right!"