Please give me some quick tips...

[enz660]

alright, so its been about 3-4 weeks since I joined the gym, I go about 3-4 times a week, for 45-60min sessions. Someone on the forum told me to start with weight training rather than running, so thats what I do now. I lift whatever I can do 2-3 sets of 10 usually, im not trying to bulk up, just get toned. I use benching machine, free weights for bicep training, tri's, another machine for my back, and I do sit ups on this huge ball (duno what thats called). After im done with all of that, I do a mix of running & walking until im sweating like hell and can barely stand. My heart rate usually goes up to just around 180 when I do this. Im 18 years old, 180lbs, 5'11". I have started eating right as well, not drinking soda, less calories, more meals throughout the day, etc etc..

so wadu guys think? I usually go to my brother for advice because hes a fitness buff, but I was hoping I could get some opinions & suggestions from you guys as well.

ps. this is such an awesome forum, you guys are awesome. Hopefully when I get enough knowledge I can help other noobs like myself

 

[Dallen]

alright, so its been about 3-4 weeks since I joined the gym, I go about 3-4 times a week, for 45-60min sessions. Someone on the forum told me to start with weight training rather than running, so thats what I do now. I lift whatever I can do 2-3 sets of 10 usually, im not trying to bulk up, just get toned. I use benching machine, free weights for bicep training, tri's, another machine for my back, and I do sit ups on this huge ball (duno what thats called). After im done with all of that, I do a mix of running & walking until im sweating like hell and can barely stand. My heart rate usually goes up to just around 180 when I do this. Im 18 years old, 180lbs, 5'11". I have started eating right as well, not drinking soda, less calories, more meals throughout the day, etc etc..

so wadu guys think? I usually go to my brother for advice because hes a fitness buff, but I was hoping I could get some opinions & suggestions from you guys as well.

ps. this is such an awesome forum, you guys are awesome. Hopefully when I get enough knowledge I can help other noobs like myself

Sounds like you're just exhausting yourself, which can increase injury and all that.

I recommend getting a heart rate monitor, try to maintain a workout for about 30 minutes on cardio (like running, stair steppers, dancing, etc). Hit about 60-65% of your max heart rate.

As for you weight training, it sounds like you're doing it right. Try increasing your reps to like 20-10-5, and try to be exact with it. Meaning that you can do only 20, no more, no less.

 

[Dallen]

Oh yea, I guess I should say that I'm starting my weight loss too. I'm a little bigger than you (maybe a lot bigger) around 220 pounds now, and roughly 5'11 too.

But hopefully you can keep us updated with your progress. Goodluck.

 

[enz660]

Once again, read through the stickies. It will give you guys a solid base of knowlege on nutrition, building a weight routine, and a cardio routine.

enz, read the weight training 101 thread in particular for some help building a better routine.

I did lol yeah, I don't need the full body workout because my legs are already pretty massive naturally, idk how... I will try to do more reps I guess. I do a mix of walking and running for about 8-10 min right now, and after that, im exhausted... Isnt it better to do less more intensive cardio since you keep most of your muscle?

 

[enz660]

you need to work out your legs and such anyway, or you're setting yourself up for injury. more reps doesn't do anything but help you learn to do more reps.

I dont understand...please explain. If you saw my legs compared to the rest of my body...it would seem to you thats the only thing I work out lol. I do running, and occasionally finish up with HIIT, isnt that good enough for my already massive legs? Also, its unclear to me if I should do more reps with less weight or less weight w/ more reps. Remember, i need to get cut, not bulked. Thanks.

 

[enz660]

"more reps with less weight or less weight w/ more reps" is the same exact thing, i think you must have typed that wrong. you should be doing no more than 12 reps otherwise its just glorified cardio (aka not worth your time.)

you're not going to get huge if you're not eating for it. period.

if your upper body gets bigger and stronger than your lower body you can end up with some serious back injuries.

no, running is not a sub. for weight training.

hmmm, i have noticed some recent back pain, ive only gone to the gym for around 3 weeks though, could it be related?