Some pretty basic workout help needed!

[PrimetimeDeliverance]

I'll try to keep this as short as I can, any help/advice you can offer would be really appreciated.

After a few frustrating experiences (stories for another time, lol) I've decided its time I take control of my life. For once I'm really motivated to change the way I do things.

Basically, I'd like to get into really solid shape. Before today I knew next to nothing about weightlifing.. or how to eat right for that matter. But I've spent the morning reading everything I can find (printed off both of Diesel's guides, along with a lot of other things).

So I think I have a bit of a better idea now, but there is such a huge amount of info out there.. I'm unsure if I'm on the right track.

*********
I'm 6'1, about 160lbs.
I'd call myself skinny fat as I'm sure my body fat is a little high compared to where it should be.

I've always been pretty active with sports, and I'm a ski instructor in the winter.

Should I lower my body fat before I start bulking? Ideally I'd like to weigh about 190 in the future.

How is the first intermediate routine on this page? (3 way split)

routine

The main problem (and where I need the most help) is that its very inconvenient for me to get to the gym. I've tried, and I just don't have time right now to fit it in.

So, I need stuff for a home gym. Being a student I need to maximize results and minimize my costs. What kind of equipment should I look for? What's the minimum amount of equipment I need to have a strong routine?

I know those questions are probably repetitive, but I'd really like some input.

Peace,
Ben

 

[PrimetimeDeliverance]

Guys, I know its a pretty simple question .. but I'd really like some input.. you have to start somewhere right?

 

[semag]

If you can't find the time to go to a fukkin gym, then you won't be able to keep up the fukkin motivation to change yourself. Buying your "home gym" equipment will be a total waste. Get the fukkin motivation, go out and fukkin do your routine at the gym. You won't be able to slack off or do anything else, because you're away from your fukkin house, that's what you're paying for....

 

[PrimetimeDeliverance]

Hey Semag, I hear what you are saying bro. However, its not a question of motivation. If I get the equipment at my home I will do it (just like I've done anything else I've put my mind to) so don't give me that talk, frankly it makes you look like an idiot. But thanks anyways, I'll keep it in mind.

Sazuki,

You're probably right, now's as good a time as ever to bulk.. so I'll do that.. spent 20 minutes or so today talking with a friend of mine who works at GNC and he's offered to show me what I should be eating and the right form for all the lifts. I'll check out the link you gave me too.

Well, I think I'm set for now.

Thanks for responding guys, all the best.

 

[semag]

Hehe... sorry for the harshnest of the post. Too many people come and post almost exactly what you say, and then aren't willing to do what it takes, and they'll just reveal this fact when they crumble under a little criticism. I've faith in you yet

Since that's the case, I'll give you some thoughts of mine.

All right, if you're gonna be doing this at home, I'm pretty sure there's no way you're gonna be doing leg press, possibly not even extension, unless you get an adjustible bench with a leg extension arm. If so that will allow you to do your leg extensions and leg curls.

With this in mind, do lunges. You'll be able to do them with freeweights and keep from having to go drop tons of money, since you don't have access to everything you possibly need.

What I'd say you need is a power rack, with bars to keep you from killing yourself on squats, and an adjustible bench. Not necessarily adjustible for a decline, but adjustible for incline, flat bench, and shoulder press. This way you'll be able to hit those different exercises in a cost effective way.

I'd also think to stay away from dumbbells (since the routine has bar rows and DB rows). The reason I say this is because if you have 300-400 lbs of plates, then you've got quite a bit of customizability, whereas real dumbbells are about .50 a lb, and you need quite a few pairs of them. I guess there's the adjustible dumbbells, so you'll have to look at that stuff.

So...

Power rack
Bar
EZ bar
plates and weights
possibly adjustible dumbbells
adjustible bench

Your power rack should provide a pullup bar, and be able to help you do squats with more safety.

Lemme know if you have any more questions.

 

[JazzPimpNYC]

Let me clear someting up for you...

It is impossible to lose fat without building muscle tissue. I advise you not to do the low-calorie thing because your body will adjust as if you were starving; your metabolism will slow way down, and instead of losing fat, you'll lose muscle mass. Stress hormones in your body will eat away at your muscle so you'll burn less calories during muscle retraction. When I started strength training, I skipped breakfast, ate small meals, ate low-carb foods. After about 6 weeks, my muscles were weakening and I started losing weight.... on the barbell. So instead, I eat 6 healthy meals a day. Whole-grain breads, lean meats (chicken, fish), dietary fats (nuts, olive oil), instant oatmeal, whey protein, eggs, fresh greens, berries, and low-fat dairy (yogurt, skim milk, cheese). Your metabolism will be extremely high so you'll be burning FAT while minimizing muscle loss. In fact, you'll be gaining muscle mass. You'll be eating less calories without knowing and you won't have cravings.

 

[PrimetimeDeliverance]

Thanks guys, this is great info.

Semag I kind of figured that's what you were doing. No hard feelings buddy, and thanks for the excellent info there. Looks like a trip to fitness warehouse is in order lol.

I bought some whey protein today, tried it out.. not too bad I guess... anyways I'll keep you all updated.

Thanks again