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Getting in shape.

Udel

Senior member
Hey guys, I am about 5'9 and 155lbs. Looking to hit the gym more frequently to get in better shape. I am a complete gym noob though. 😱

What is a good routine to start getting in to?

About what weight should I be able to lift?

How often should I go? Thanks everyone.
 
I'd say start at around 115 for the benchpress. Other than that work out liek a mad man and eat well.


 
Mmm...

I'm 5'6 and 135 lbs, and I lift 120 lbs... Might want to try that 🙂
Last year I was only able to bench 90 lbs.

The best way to get in shape, is to alternate...

Aerobic
Muscular strength
Aerobic
Muscular Endurance
Aerobic

Then use the 2 extra days to cool off.
 
Originally posted by: Udel
Hey guys, I am about 5'9 and 155lbs. Looking to hit the gym more frequently to get in better shape. I am a complete gym noob though. 😱

What is a good routine to start getting in to?

About what weight should I be able to lift?

How often should I go? Thanks everyone.

OMGWTFBROADQUESTIONS

Browse some forums, read up on bodybuilding.com, and try to learn that way.

I'm not trying to be an asshole, but it just varies far too much from person to person to put some sort of static number on a newbie. You need to pair diet with a good training regimen in order to see the best results.

I personally work out on a 3 day split (which means 3 days on, 1 day off.) I usually (as a result of time constraints) do my cardio and weight lifting in the same session (always do weight lifting before cardio if you are doing them in the same session. But empty stomach is (arguably) the most effective cardio. You will have a hard time finding definitive information on all topics, so if you find conflicting information don't get discouraged.)
 
I'm no pro, but I have managed to lose and keep off 60lbs. 🙂 Though, I am 6' flat and 174lbs now.

First thing, start managing your diet. Cut the excessive calories = less fat intake. I eat about half or a quarter of what I use to. Instead of making two sandwiches or whatever, just make one and wait about a half hour. If you're still hungry, make another or have something else to tide you over. Cut out the soda completely as that is just empty calories and caffiene.

The weight you should start at is whatever you are comfortable with. If you have to start at 8lbs or something, then that is that. Don't over-do it or you could damage your muscle tissue. Start low, then work up. Keep a log of how many reps/sets you do and the weight you are doing so that you can keep track of your success. Don't get envious if the guy next to you is doing 4x your body weight...chances are he's been there for a while and has gained the proper form and strength. Speaking of form, keep a good balance when you lift. If you are swaying this way and that, you aren't doing your body any good. Keep still as you can and lift the weights up and down in an equally paced motion. Don't go up or down too fast as that could cause unnecessary strain.

I'd say start out 3 times a week. Say, MWF or something. I believe the current 'doctor's recommendations' is 5 days a week with 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise to keep your proper weight. Of course, that is with a balanced diet.

Always eat 3 meals a day, or more, as it depends on your body. I personally eat ~5 smaller meals a day, which helps keep your metabolism quick, your stomach not so full, and puts less strain on your digestive tracks.

Treat yourself to a sweet candy or something maybe once every 7-10 days so that you don't get that, "Oh, I can't eat that anymore at all!".

Well, that's a start! Good luck!
 
you should be able to lift a weight 6-12 times, so whatever that is for you, no one can say except you.

My routine is:
Sunday Legs/Back
Tuesday Biceps/Shoulders
Thursday Chest/Triceps

I would suggest going to http://www.fitrex.com and that site can help you get a workout together free.




 
Depends what your goals are. Are you trying to bulk up? Are you fat and trying to lose weight? If you're bulking you want to eat a LOT (like as much as you can handle eating) and do low reps with high weights. There's a lot of argument on this, but I do 3 sets of 6-7 reps. You want the weights so that the last rep is almost impossible to do. Don't do more than 8 reps in a set if you're bulking. If you want to lose weight then you need to do lots of cardio, and lots of reps. For the weight lifting part probably do 3x15 or close to that.
 
Originally posted by: Ricemarine
Mmm...

I'm 5'6 and 135 lbs, and I lift 120 lbs... Might want to try that 🙂
Last year I was only able to bench 90 lbs.

The best way to get in shape, is to alternate...

Aerobic
Muscular strength
Aerobic
Muscular Endurance
Aerobic

Then use the 2 extra days to cool off.

Alternating is a great method, I went from benching 85 lbs to 150 lbs in about four months.
 
Originally posted by: Ricemarine
Mmm...

I'm 5'6 and 135 lbs, and I lift 120 lbs... Might want to try that 🙂
Last year I was only able to bench 90 lbs.

The best way to get in shape, is to alternate...

Aerobic
Muscular strength
Aerobic
Muscular Endurance
Aerobic

Then use the 2 extra days to cool off.

Damn, my wife can bench 90lbs 🙂


 
Weight is completely relative to each individual. Some people are better at some exercise, and worse at others. I can DB Press more weight than I can bench press, which is completely backwards from most people.

If you have never lifted wights before, you should just start with a real light weight and work up until you can complete 4 sets of 10 reps. You last set should be hard to do and the last few reps should be very hard.

Everyone wants to do bench press, so I guess you want to too 🙂 I would start with the bar to get the form down, then start adding 10lb plates on until you reach the limit that I said above.

EXRX.net has animated gifs to show you proper form of all the exercises.
 
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