How did you all get started?

[dog20]

Hey everybody,
I haven't searched much of the forum yet, its real late and I need to go to bed. So, plz dont yell at me, "use the search button!!"

I want to begin lifting weights but my knowledge on the types of exercises, the right combinations to workout the muscles, etc. is bad. Can you all recommend a good book for me? I have 'Arnolds Bodybuilding for men' but its a pretty old book.. you think that is still good? Or some good websites. Also im not sure about how many times I need to work out, the types of food I should eat, etc.

Oh ya, I also want to avoid having 'Mark Henry' arms. He is very strong but his arms look fat. Should I just go on a diet? Or jump rope? I want people to be able to see my muscles without having to flex, but I also dont want to be real veiny (like people who do drugs).


Im 5'7" 160lb , 12" arms *unflexed* that are 'squishy'

Thanks guys

[NiteHawk]

Welcome aboard Dog. Dont worry, I wont yell at you.

I do recommend looking thru here for awhile at some diets and routines. Get a grasp of what you see people doing. Once you decide to try a routine, go ahead and ask questions. Thats what we are here for, to help each other out.

[Casey]

Heres some good exercise websites: http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/fo...thread.php?t=5

Make sure to hit all muscles, and find a good routine, and eat good, all you need to start with then just keep reading around on the site and youl find more information that you can use during your gym time to get the most out of your time.

[X_puritan_X]

When I first started lifting the book that helped me the most was 'Bodybuilding 101'. Also exrx.net is a great site for excersise instruction and of course this site

[narcsarge]

Originally Posted by NiteHawk

Welcome aboard Dog. Dont worry, I wont yell at you.

I do recommend looking thru here for awhile at some diets and routines. Get a grasp of what you see people doing. Once you decide to try a routine, go ahead and ask questions. Thats what we are here for, to help each other out.

Big time bump Nite! ^^

dog20, don't worry about how "old" your book is. I personally read and still own, "The Scientific Approach to Body Building" by Dr. Hatfield in the 80's. The information is still good today. The information given here about how you should start is spot on. You need to take the information and incorporate it into your lifestyle. Especially for the beginner. Reading is an important part of this lifestyle. Your research, training experiences, and nutrition will allow you to become the "expert" for your own development. This site will answer any questions that you have as long as you have done your homework. We will help anybody that needs it and has a valid question. Welcome aboard !

[NiteHawk]

Another thing to add Dog its ok to learn how to do a lot of exercises.
However, since you are starting out dont overthink anything. Dont analyze everything and worry about every little exercise and angles. Keep to the basics, particularly squats, deadlifts, bench press, etc.

Remember building muscle is about 2 things....Intensity and Progression. You must have these when working out.

Keep a logbook of your workouts. Write down the dates, the sets, reps, poundages for your workout. This is how you will track your progress. Try to beat your previous workout everytime you lift.

And dont forget your diet. Another key thing people forget when starting out. Check out my sticky in the diet section titled "Calorie & Macronutrient Formulas".

Good luck on your quest and remember if you have any questions, just ask.

[dog20]

How much is a gym membership?
How often do you guys workout (days)/how many hours?
And would I like 'weird' being pretty buff at only 5'7"?

Thanks

[Casey]

I'm 5'6, so I hope not.

Generelly 3-4 times a week. Depending on your split you should start with 3.
try to finish the wokrout in and hour.

[Casey]

memberships verry like 40-80$, or you could buy your own, if you have craigslist you could find one for cheap if you have the space. I just bought my own.. its da ****!

[dog20]

Originally Posted by Casey

memberships verry like 40-80$, or you could buy your own, if you have craigslist you could find one for cheap if you have the space. I just bought my own.. its da ****!

im guessing thats monthly? maybe i could buy a year long one.

[NiteHawk]

Yes, monthly fees will vary greatly. I have seen $30-$80 myself. Some are probably even higher. Some gyms have pay per visit but thats not a good option if you are committed. Yearly memberships obviously take a larger payment but usually end up saving you money if you added up the 12 individual monthly payments compared to the yearly.

[Casey]

Might be cheaper if you coukld fork it all out at once, check it out.

[narcsarge]

Originally Posted by dog20

How much is a gym membership?
How often do you guys workout (days)/how many hours?
And would I like 'weird' being pretty buff at only 5'7"?

Thanks

Memberships run, as has already been stated, from $35 and up. Plus, most gyms have an initiation or sign up fee about $100. I usually tell the gym owner that I will pay for the credit check but that I won't pay for someone to show me around and how the machines work. I have had only one gym turn that down. I hit the gym 3 - 4 times a week for about 1 hour. I also do, as Taekwon Do Guy does, take Taekwon Do 3 times a week. That is for cardio, HIIT and endurance training. Believe me, at my age, that is plenty.

[sensitive]

My best friend got me into weightlifting. Then he got me hooked on buying supplements and eating properly.
Before him i didnt even want to take a protein shake.

[dog20]

do the shakes taste good? i hope they dont taste like slim fast

[NiteHawk]

Originally Posted by dog20

do the shakes taste good? i hope they dont taste like slim fast

Depends on what protein and brand you buy.

[meriaiza]

Welcome.