Hi everybody, I'm new, and need guidance

[lordikon]

Here's my intro, before all my questions:
I'm 22 yrs old, 6'0" and ~160lbs, I'm new to working out in general. I've been pretty lazy my whole life. I've never worked out until about 6 weeks ago. I have hard gainer genetics I guess you could say, so I never had to worry about getting fat. I've never weighed over 165. Not sure about body fat, but I'm pretty skinny.

Now, I have lots of questions.....if you guys don't mind.

Instead of posting 20 threads in all different sections of SM, I was hoping to get it all from one place (if that's possible). I was wondering if anyone knew of any good websites that explain proper workouts in detail, good dieting and nutrition, supplements, and possibly good stretches too. I'll likely buy a book in the near future, anyone know of some good workout books? Basically I know I want a great body, but I don't want to waste years doing all the wrong things to get there. I'd like to do it right, and efficiently.

Currently my workout consists of:
Sunday: Biceps, triceps, forearms, chest, shoulders, back, abs
Monday: Quads, calfs, hamstrings, quads, ad/abductors, abs
Tuesday: Break
Wednesday: Repeat Sunday
Thursday: Repeat Monday
Friday: Repeat Sunday
Saturday: Repeat Monday

Is 1 day break not enough? Some people prefer 2 day breaks, but if I'm alternating muscle groups, then my muscles should get 48 hours between workouts, even without a break.

Also, how soon should I drink my shake after my workout. I've tried taking a small gulp or two before the workout to make sure I've got energy, and then sipping it lightly during workout. I haven't noticed yet if that's helped or not.

How far should I bulk up before stopping to convert it to muscle?

Should I stretch alot or a little? I've heard when wanting to look big you shouldn't stretch too much, because it'll lean your muscles by spreading them out. But I've also heard that stretching can increase your strength.

Basically I just read all kinds of conflicting things over many sources, I was hoping for one source (that's reliable), that could just give me all the answers.

If there is a better place to post this, please tell me. Thanx for any help guys.

[EGRESSER]

First, welcome.....Second, before you ask about a program, you need to specify, more clearly your goals. Do you want to gain a lot of muscle, or do you want to tone and define what you already have? It's the differance between bodybuilder and a model from Mens Health.

Sunday: Biceps, triceps, forearms, chest, shoulders, back, abs

Monday: Quads, calfs, hamstrings, quads, ad/abductors, abs

IMO...too many muscle groups being worked at one time. Even for a circuit training program.

Also, how soon should I drink my shake after my workout. I've tried taking a small gulp or two before the workout to make sure I've got energy, and then sipping it lightly during workout. I haven't noticed yet if that's helped or not

I try for an 30-60 min before, and right after but no longer that 30min prior.

How far should I bulk up before stopping to convert it to muscle?

The term bulking doesn't mean adding fat. You may gain some in the process, but even if you do, you're not gonna "convert" it to muscle. Muscle does not turn to fat or vice versa...Its chemically impossible. Thats an old myth that needs to die. If you are bulking, generally, you are adding muscle.

Should I stretch alot or a little? I've heard when wanting to look big you shouldn't stretch too much, because it'll lean your muscles by spreading them out. But I've also heard that stretching can increase your strength

Yes, stretch. Stretching increases blood flow, which is what you want.

Basically I just read all kinds of conflicting things over many sources,

Welcome to the world of bodybuilding!!


I'm pretty tired right now, so I probably left some shit out. You can PM if you want, and I can try to help with anything else. Good Luck

[lordikon]

Thanks for the advice. My goal isn't to look like Arnold, but I would like to be fairly strong. I was thinking around 190-200lbs, with about as much body fat % as I have now, slightly less. Not sure exactly what the percent is, just know that I like the amount I have now.

I agree fat doesn't turn to muscle. But doesn't it give the body something to burn for energy?

[EGRESSER]

Strength comes in time.....You don't want to try and gain fat for energy purposes. Thats where carbs and EFA's come in. You do need fat in your diet for certain brain functions, but you want to try to keep BF to a min.

[lordikon]

I need to find a good way to measure my body fat. I keep daily track of weight, and weekly of body measurements, but I'm not sure how to check body fat. What is the most common method?

[EGRESSER]

calipers are most common. I have been looking into the scales that measure body fat. One article I read says they are about as accuraTE as calipers (+or-5) Someone else might know more about those.

[lordikon]

I saw a scale that measured it, for around $40. Don't know how accurate it is. But I already have a decent scale, so if the calipers are cheap I might grab some.