Advice for a total beginner?

[mattcho]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie here on the forum - just joined today. I recently joined my local gym, because I want to build muscle and lose fat.

What exercises should I focus on?
Any tips would be really helpful.

[Soldier]

We can certainly help you with any questions you might have. There are a couple pieces of information that will help us, if you don't mind;

How old are you?

What's your present height and weight?

Have you ever done anything active before?

and most importantly;

What are your goals? You say you want to build muscle and lose fat, but the more specific you can be, the better. Some people say they want to weigh X lb, but that's just a starting point. Would you rather be big and strong with an intimidating look, or would you rather be lean and fast?

A good way to answer this questions is to go look at pictures. Google image search is a great way to look at tons of pics. As you look at different pics you should start to get an idea of how you want to look. Once we know where you are starting from and where you want to go we can help you find a program that will help you get there.

[Chillen]

Originally Posted by mattcho

Hi all,

I'm a newbie here on the forum - just joined today. I recently joined my local gym, because I want to build muscle and lose fat.

What exercises should I focus on?
Any tips would be really helpful.

When asking questions like this, you have to be more forthcoming with personal information. Though we very much welcome you to MAB, you are completely unknown to us and we simply can not provide quality advice without adequate personal information.

Answer, Soldiers' Questions.

Starting a personal Journal:

You may want to consider creating a journal in the journal section of the forum. This way you can ask additional questions, post your diet and training, keep a log of thoughts, etc.

A lot of persons view these logs, and it could assist you, possibly, in allot of ways!


ROCK ON!

I wish you the best in all that you do in life and within fitness,

Chillen

[nighttrain]

Both are great responses to the questions asked... i have been around here since the board begain, and im here to tell you, if youare commited to reaching your goals and you need advice and support.... then you have come to the right place, just answer the questions Soldier asked and we can go from here. Good Luck and welcome to MaB...


'Train

[Kevsworld]

Maybe we could start with this:
1. Work on the basic, compound lifts: bench press, squat, deadlift
2. Eat a nutrient dense diet and increase your protein intake.
3. Be sure to get adequate rest, including adequate sleep.
4. Focus on good form--never sacrifice form.
5. Focus on diet and training over supplements.

Just a few ideas, assuming you are healthy and just now starting out.

[bamazav]

Originally Posted by Kevsworld

Maybe we could start with this:
1. Work on the basic, compound lifts: bench press, squat, deadlift
2. Eat a nutrient dense diet and increase your protein intake.
3. Be sure to get adequate rest, including adequate sleep.
4. Focus on good form--never sacrifice form.
5. Focus on diet and training over supplements.

Just a few ideas, assuming you are healthy and just now starting out.

This^^^^

[BigTallOx]

Originally Posted by mattcho

What exercises should I focus on?

Learn how to lift barbells, i.e. focus on squat, deadlift, clean and press ( that's much more productive then benching, IMHO ).

Originally Posted by mattcho

Any tips would be really helpful.

Consistency matters. Don't buy into all the broscience, muscle confusion is a myth. You say you want to "loose fat and gain muscle" but just know once you're no longer a beginner, you'll have to choose one for the short term. You can accomplish both over the long term, but not the short term ( unless you're a beginner ). Progression is important, i.e. to build muscle you've got to lift heavier weights over time.

Good luck.

[J_Byrd]

Originally Posted by Kevsworld

Maybe we could start with this:
1. Work on the basic, compound lifts: bench press, squat, deadlift
2. Eat a nutrient dense diet and increase your protein intake.
3. Be sure to get adequate rest, including adequate sleep.
4. Focus on good form--never sacrifice form.
5. Focus on diet and training over supplements.

Just a few ideas, assuming you are healthy and just now starting out.

This is a great piece of advice. I would also suggest to find a training partner. Doesn't have to be an every day thing, but it is great to have another set of eyes. I would also suggest that you start a training log on this site. You have people from all walks of life and strength levels here. You can get good advice from someone who benchpress 135lbs to someone who can benchpress 700lbs. Its a great mix of people here. Best of luck and if there is anything I can help you with dont be scared to ask.