Many questions!!

[bigmac58]

I am new to working out and am curious about several things. I weigh 235lbs and am wanting to lose the fat that I have and build muscle at the same time. I go to the gym three days a week (work two jobs). On each of those three days I use the treadmill to walk/jog for 30 mins then on Mondays and Fridays I use machines to work my upper body. On Wednesday I use machines to exercise my legs. My town has two YMCA's and this is the smaller, less busy one but it only has machines instead of free weights. Can i still get quality results? Also, I am following the Weight Watchers diet to lose the weight and am concerned that I am not getting enough protein. A buddy of mine said that I should start using protein to help my muscles. I have noticed that it is expensive but that several people on ebay sell it reasonable in quantity. Is there anything wrong with their products? Any help, thoughts and opinions are very welcome. My goal is to get an "intimidating" appearance as I am applying to my local Sheriff's office. Plus the academy is pretty tough and I want to be prepared for it if hired.

Thanks.

 

[abear]

i'm a free weights type dude but machines are better than nothing. you can still do fine with them.

look to food first for your protein like eggs, milk, cottage cheese, chicken, lean red meat, fish and turkey. i dont know about getting it off ebay, depends on what it is. you can find 5lb containers of protein online for around $25 dollars.

 

[Necia]

I start my day out with protein supplements in the form of designer whey protein powder. I find it helps get me moving in the morning, since I've eliminated coffee. I get my stuff from netrition.com
They have awesome prices compared to Gnc, and Vitamin Shoppe.
I wanted to add that dumb bells can be your best friend if you can't get to free weights, just keep increasing the intensity by upping your weight.

HTH
Necia