Need to start working out

[ConstipatedVigilante]

I'm starting my second semester of college and I've decided that I should start working out more. I just went and did some lifting, but I only have a foggy idea of how to handle it, since it's been so long since I've been in a regular routine. To start, here's what my build is like:

19 years old
6'0"
167 lbs

I've lost about 5 lbs since starting college (I didn't walk several miles/day between classes in high school), and I've realized that I have a decent frame for working out - I'm just kind of skinny and untoned at the moment.

So, today I did a couple sets of about 10 reps each on the following:

Bicep Curls with 25 lbs/arm
Forearm curls with 10 lbs/arm (palm facing out instead of in)
40 crunches
130 lbs on that pectoral butterfly motion machine
110 lbs on leg curl machine (has pivot at knee)
96 lbs on lateral pulldown
1 mile cooldown on bike

So, are there any tips? Are there certain muscle groups that need more time to recover than others, stuff like that? Is it better to concentrate on upper body 1 day/lower another? I know it takes about 2 weeks before my body gets used to a routine, so I'll just keep at it.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

You can use the search function to find many results on this - more thorough than I can type up right now. It has been asked many times before.

 

[TallBill]

Yeah, you need to do some better research to put together a better program. Starting strength is one of the more popular full body workouts. Or you could go with a body part split.

Do some research, maybe use bodybuilding.com, or find someone with decent experience. And don't forget to stuff your face with fairly clean food because the gains come quick at the start.

 

[brikis98]

Starting Strength
Stronglifts 5x5
Crossfit

 

[Muse]

My advice: Get obsessed. I wouldn't ordinarily say that but like a guy I knew observed, "it's a positive obsession." For a real long time being in shape has been my top priority, come what may. I learned most of what I know about the weight room from specialty programming on ESPN. I don't know what they offer now. Used to record the shows. I have some good books. One special tip: Pay close attention to information you encounter concerning how to prevent injuries.

 

[StageLeft]

I like Muse's last post. Being obsessed with working out will give you excellent results and it's an obsession you rarely have to be ashamed about. It can irritate and get in the way of the rest of life like any obsession but I guess what I'm saying is the risk for life damage with an obsession about fitness is less than one about, say, drinking or whoring. Unfortunately, obsessions can be gently coaxed but they have lives of their own; going through the motions won't give one the underlying motivation that an obsession will, so sometimes they just are or aren't, and sometimes they are and then go away by themselves, and then perhaps come back.

 

[TallBill]

I didn't mean to come off rude in the thread. It's great that you're looking into taking control of your body, but your workout isn't focused. You need to find a easy split, do it for about 3 months along with good eating, and reap the rewards.

Go to bodybuilding.com and check out the exercise link. It has pictures/videos for all muscles. I prefer to do a split like this:

Day 1: Back/Biceps
Day 2: Chest/Triceps
Day 3: Legs
Day 4: Biceps/Triceps/Shoulders
Day 5: Deadlift

Something like this. All people are different, but typically find 3 exercises for each body part and do 3 sets of 10 to start with.

Let me know if you need more help, and don't get discouraged. If you stay on a good routine for 3 months I guarantee that you'll notice a difference. I've put on 50 lbs in 2 years now.