Newb pics: Would like a critique

sowenstech · May 26th, 2007, 10:54 PM

Been lurking for awhile before i registered so as to gain info before posting and making myself sound like an idiot. I'm almost 35, smoke, and take poor care of myself. I feel I owe it to myself, as well as my children, to get my butt in the gym and get myself in shape. My brother, God love him, is pushing me like hell to follow his bodybuilding routine. I have the utmost respect for bodybuilders, however it's just not for me. I feel I have the basic frame for a powerlifter/strongman type routine. I'm 6' 3", and currently hold around 240 lbs. I'm totally new to the game, and open to any and all suggestions. I've uploaded a couple pics for suggestions, critiques, etc. Help a stupid newb out!

**Hans_Rachid** · May 27th, 2007, 01:16 AM

The links don't work for me.

**Goose102** · May 27th, 2007, 03:07 AM

me either

sowenstech · May 27th, 2007, 07:18 AM

Sorry. Image links fixed

**ppsuprise** · May 27th, 2007, 10:57 AM

i would stop smoking, start eating right and healthy, take a multi-vitamin. and then i would start doing simple compound workouts such as, bar bench, deads, rows, squats, dips, pullups, and presses. keep it simple and fairly easy at the beginning. maybe get some light cardio as well to help lose some of the fat you got now as you progress. eating the right foods though is the most important to seeing any results, so keep that diet clean with whole grains, veggies, and meats like chicken and red meat. after youve been in the work out scene then you can start to try and get into some of the supplements out there to help fuel your body for workouts, such as creatine, glutamine, BCAA, ZMA just whatever helps you out, but dont worry bout those jsut yet. get inot the gym get adjusted with the lifestyle and after that its breezy.

hope that helps some

**pliny_2001** · May 27th, 2007, 11:03 AM

First - congrats on wanting to make a change for the better!

What to do: I'd completely ignore the difference between "bodybuilders" and "strongmen/powerlifters." Let's be completely honest - you're not going to turn into either one of them very quickly. If you want to be healthier, the first thing you need to do: quit smoking. No questions - you may improve your health via diet and exercise, but if you want to see someone's graduation in a decade, your mortality risk due to lung cancer isn't going to budge until you quit smoking, period.

Next thing: the "poor care of myself." Sure, smoking's part of it. But I'm guessing that there are some weaknesses in your diet. Start simply (more vegetables, no sauces or dressings) for a bit, and then work harder (cut out anything with high fructose corn syrup - it's a great step b/c everything that's bad for you has HFCS in it). Get enough sleep, and plenty of water.

Do you remember the food pyramid that the government tried to convince us was right? (it wasn't). Anyway, exercise is kind of like the top of that pyramid - essential if you want better health, but kind of worthless if you aren't willing to do the steps that come before it. And the exercise part is incredibly easy - start by just walking around your neighborhood for 10-15 minutes every day after dinner. Take your kids or spouse - it's good for your digestion, and you'll start to get your cardio system in shape. After a month or so, think about adding in some stretching (you need to prepare your body before you start 'working out' or you'll just get injured). Then start some light weight training. Only then begin to decide if you prefer working on your cardio system more, or weight lifting. You need to do some of both, but I honestly doubt if you want to be either a bodybuilder or a powerlifter - both take alot of time, specificity in your diet, and a number of compromises elsewhere in your life.

My point here is that if you want to be healthier, you need to expand your vision beyond building mass and power. You need a better diet, some exercise, good sleep, and plenty of water. It's actually really easy to do, but you've got to break habits that you've probably had your entire life - that's where the real work comes in.

sowenstech · May 27th, 2007, 11:27 AM

Thanks for the input guys. I was using the "bodybuilder/powerlifter" guidelines my brother and his friends gave me due to my lack of knowledge. As far as the other "poor care", it's lack of sleep due to the long hours i work (construction in Florida is BOOMING), the smoking (31 hours without one so far!), and a general sedentary lifestyle. I want to weight train for health reasons only, so when i asked my bro, he's the one that set me up with the workout for BB/PL. I rather like your ideas of cardio first, weight later. The way I see it, all the muscle in the world isn't gonna help if the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, etc. are shot to hell. Kinda like putting a blown VW engine in a brand new Ferrari!

**mooshue** · May 29th, 2007, 11:59 AM

i was just like you just a bit heavier, smoking, no sleep, eat crap etc...
I stopped smoking with that cold laser accupuncture therapy in august 2005 and havent smoked since. I threw out all the crap in my house and went on strictly fruits, vegetables and meats, and made my kids do the same with the occasional snack or treat after meals. its been 2.5 years now i dropped nearly 70lbs and still working, i feel great, the sleep apnea i had is virtually gone, i eat great and i workout every day. Best advice i can give you is get your diet down asap and start gradually with a cheap dumbell set at walmart and some cardio (jog's, tae bo, etc..)youll drop a lot of weight fast once you get the diet down, the cardio will only help you in the long run. Stay with it, its not an overnight thing, it will take a long time. Take pictures, you see yourself in the mirror every day, you wont notice the changes as much as you will when you see side by side progress pics.

Grimtok · June 4th, 2007, 02:45 PM

thanks for the post, and also the replies

shorter, and heavier than you, but don't smoke...
the short, simple answers you got, I found to be ones I think I can work with

KeepFit · June 15th, 2007, 02:06 AM

You need to have a balance diet...go to a gym...do sports...Good luck!!!!!

By the way can anyone tell me how to put picture in avatar???

luvfitgals · June 16th, 2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeepFit

You need to have a balance diet...go to a gym...do sports...Good luck!!!!!

By the way can anyone tell me how to put picture in avatar???

Yup, balanced diet, if need be consult a dietician...
stay away from smoking, heavy liquor...
plenty of rest...
start going to a gym, or get a personal trainer if you can afford one...
try practicing a sport...

*KeepFit, re avatars:
http://www.extremefitness.com/forum/...ement.php?f=63

PeAcE