Some questions from a beginner

[mike567]

Hi!

I'm just started to go to the gym, basically I wanna lost my lovehandles and get a bit more cut. Now I have a couple of questions:

- I've heard that cardio (for example running is essential to get rid of the fat). When would you recommend to do it? Is it better to do it in the morning before breakfast? at night? Is it okay to eat afterwards or should I wait a bit?

- Is there something I should consider as far as the diet goes?

- Is there a huge difference between doing free weights and machines?

- How would a reasonable training plan look? Right now 10 minutes warm ups on the crosstrainer, then 10 different machines. 8 for the upper body, 2 for the legs. then 3 x 20 normal crunches and 2 x 15 side crunches.. and then around 45 minutes on the cross trainer again. All that 3 times a week. Sounds good or would you change something?

- Sometimes I can't make it to the gym and I just go running in the park. Is there some weight training I can do at home without equipment? Just push ups and crunches?

A lot of questions. Sorry! But thanks a lot in advance!

[pseudonym]

**in my bes sing songy voice** I love stickies, you love stickies, we all love stickies now lets all sing the I love stickies song.

Check out the top of this page, lotta good info on your questions in there :

More importantly though welcome to DF.com and the wonderful world of making your body look how you want it to, it's a lot of fun.

[cursor]

Newbie Question and Answer
Coupla' cool articles
Some Links and helpful tips