Quote: (01-18-2014 03:29 PM)DJ-Matt Wrote:
I recently joined the YMCA, can't beat $30 a month...
That being said I just use the machines, I'm too much of a weakling right now to lift anything real heavy
Ditch that mindset.
Machines should only be used by the elderly and if you have an injury. If you're a healthy guy, even if you're a completely weakling, you need to hit free weights.
If you gotta squat an empty bar, then do that, but for god's sake don't use the smith or any other assisted bullshit. Keep a couple 5lb plates under your heels if you gotta, and work on your flexibility. There's more than enough resources online and youtube on proper compound lifting form to keep you from hurting yourself. Start with an empty bar and add weight every week, then come back and thank me later.
Stronglifts is a great start and Mehdi starts you out on an empty bar. If your goal is to gain weight and build up core strength, there's no better way to go. That was my goal and I gained about 25 lbs in a year. Some of that is fat and I've got a "lifters gut". You're not going to look shredded from stronglifts. It will, however, fix your posture, give you some mass on your shoulders, back, glutes, and quads, and make you feel a hell of a lot better about your life.
I'm currently doing this:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/mike-ohe...ogram.html
The guy is a little goofy in his presentation but the routine is solid. After each workout my body feels completely torn up, in a good way. I'm not adding weight every week like I was with SL but I'm way more sore after workouts due to the higher reps. I'm doing 14 deadlifts per workout instead of 5 (at work weight)
If you're just getting started I'd say focus on eating mad calories and stick to stronglifts or starting strength. Do this for a year and don't worry about your belly, just ramp that weight way up. After your year is up, determine if you want to get bigger or start cutting your BF down and consider working in some bodybuilding exercises into your routine.