Just go into working out.

[techknows]

Hi, I just start working out. My goal is to get ripped. I am not really fat.

What should i use? Free weight or machine? Also, Should I run before or after working out? Which is better for me?

[CliffA74]

Originally Posted by techknows

Hi, I just start working out. My goal is to get ripped. I am not really fat.

What should i use? Free weight or machine? Also, Should I run before or after working out? Which is better for me?

Congratulations! To quote one of the grand old masters: "You've just taken your first step into a larger world."

First, learn to enjoy your training for the sheer physical pleasure of exercising. It is a gift to be able to move your body and make changes to it. Enjoy it. You'll make much better progress if you don't dread your workouts.

To that, don't workout. Train. If you are training, you have goals, ambition, drive, determination. If you are working out, it's a chore, tedium, something you have to do to avoid guilt. (The latest Body-for-Life book has a whole chapter on that concept.)

And then, try new stuff. All the time. Change your routine every month. Keep it fresh.

Free weights have numerous advantages over machines. Start there. There are a few machines, mainly cables, that do things that free weights can't.

And finally, learn to love pushups. They are your friend. Do them. Lots.


Have fun,
Cliff

[LiftGirl]

Free weights will hit more stabilizer muscles and will generally allow more muscles to be worked at once, but it is largely a matter of personal preference. Try both and see what you think. You can choose either or both.

I tend to prefer to do my cardio after I lift. After cardio, I am tired, sweaty and smelly and have no desire to do weights

[bodyshop20]

Well done on 1st step, But what are yr goals ripped and thin, ripped with muscle growth etc.
Let us know more and we will all put in a few cwnts worth and a grand dollar you will end up with

[minime]

hey techknows, welcome to DF!

cliff, great post, and I agree. it is terribly important to ENJOY your workouts, and to do them for reasons beyond vanity. Of course, we are all vain, but if you make your workouts challenging and interesting to you, then you will be mroe likely to stick with it.

I suggest free weights over machines, and intensity when it comes to 'cardio'

If you are unfamiliar with the various weightlifting moves, and feel you cannot perform them correctly, perhaps finding a good trainer and paying for a couple of sessions might be helpful.

Welcome to the world of fitness, it is totally awesome here, I assure you

[westside24]

I would suggest freeweights also, but actually if you can get ahold of one of those ab shocking contraptions, that would work the best

[sooner_ed]

Originally Posted by minime

If you are unfamiliar with the various weightlifting moves, and feel you cannot perform them correctly, perhaps finding a good trainer and paying for a couple of sessions might be helpful.

Good advice minime, but may I suggest a low cost alternative? Buy the book Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier for $18.95. Excellent book that can be used all the time.

What it says on the back cover will more adequately describe the book better than I can:

"Get an inside view of the muscles in action during every exercise you perform. This ultimate strength reference contains full-color, detailed anatomical drawings of exercises that target every major muscle group, along with full descriptions of how to perform them. The illustrations graphically depict both the muscles and the bones, with variations showing how the exercises can be modified to isolate specific muscles. It's like having an X ray of each exercise!"

Personally, the book is saving my butt over here.