I am 23 years old, 5'8", and 140lbs (little muscle and a bit of a gut). I work in an office so I pretty much sit at a desk all day long. I have a gym membership, having only gone off and on for several months I want to get more serious.
My goals are to lose fat (90% of which resides on my belly) and build some muscle. I don't care about being ripped, I just want to get in better shape. Honestly, I'm just looking for a basic 3-4 day a week routine which would get me in better shape, nothing crazy. What I mean to say is I know it will take work, but I don't want to go spend 2 hours at the gym a day and use 50 different machines. Something simple is all that I am looking for.
Bottom line: I know little to nothing about working out. If anyone can point me somewhere, like a book or website, where I can learn things like what I should do before and after a workout (ie. should I be drinking protein afterwards?), how to approach fat loss and muscle gain (can they be done together or should one be approached first), and any other tidbits would be much appreciated.
I've found countless "workout plans" online, but nothing that teaches me exactly what I should be doing.
Lastly, is this something I can do and learn on my own or am I really better off with a trainer? FWIW, my gym offers APEX Fitness programs.
Thanks in advance.
My goals are to lose fat (90% of which resides on my belly) and build some muscle. I don't care about being ripped, I just want to get in better shape. Honestly, I'm just looking for a basic 3-4 day a week routine which would get me in better shape, nothing crazy. What I mean to say is I know it will take work, but I don't want to go spend 2 hours at the gym a day and use 50 different machines. Something simple is all that I am looking for.
Bottom line: I know little to nothing about working out. If anyone can point me somewhere, like a book or website, where I can learn things like what I should do before and after a workout (ie. should I be drinking protein afterwards?), how to approach fat loss and muscle gain (can they be done together or should one be approached first), and any other tidbits would be much appreciated.
I've found countless "workout plans" online, but nothing that teaches me exactly what I should be doing.
Lastly, is this something I can do and learn on my own or am I really better off with a trainer? FWIW, my gym offers APEX Fitness programs.
Thanks in advance.
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