Not sure what my goal should be

[Cameron_R]

Hi Everyone,

Thought I should say hi, because I've been reading the forum for a short while now and given that I am starting to have some questions I want to post, I thought it the polite thing to do.

I've never been a big guy (fat or muscle wise), but I have lost too much weight over the last 5 years sitting at my laptop in the office so I've decided that enough is enough - I'm going to stop the slide, and hopefully put on some weight in the right way.

I will be at the gym 4 times a week, and I ride my bike to and from work most days when it's not raining (only about 25 mins each way).

I have no idea what is a reasonable/achievable goal, but I'm starting with putting on 5kgs.

So anyway, here's my first of many questions...

What's this 5x5 that people keep talking about and where can I find out more info on it?

Thanks

[steak]

5x5 is a great program. check it out at stronglifts.com

and welcome

[drizzt]

Welcome!

And what Steak said (Stronglifts 5x5), or something like Starting Strength (which is similar). You can find a good read up on Starting Strength here.

Heck, Westside for Skinny Bastards could be worth a look too

I suggest you have a read up, see what appeals, pick one/ask advice if you need some, and go for it

[Cameron_R]

Thanks Steak and drizzt. Exactly what I was after.

[teamfatboy]

Welcome... and :ditto: what Steak and Drizzt said :nod:

[Pseudonym]

Hey Cameron, good to see you here. Those programs are all well-respected programs, but (someone correct me if I'm wrong) they're focused more on power-lifting than bodybuilding. Is that what you wanted?

[Phedder]

First off, well done on losing weight sitting in an office, certainly not the trend :pfft:

Those programs are all well-respected programs, but (someone correct me if I'm wrong) they're focused more on power-lifting than bodybuilding.

I wouldn't say they're focused specifically on either discipline really, both are about getting bigger and stronger. Westside probably leans toward PLing but it's certainly not PL specific. Who wants to be big but not have the strength to back it up?

I think both programs would serve your purpose well, as would many other programs out there. As a beginner getting the gains shouldn't be a problem. It's probably best to have a read of a bunch of different programs/training ideologies and find one that you like the sound of and fits with your lifestyle best. As long as you eat well, train hard, and get lots of rest in between training you'll grow. Enjoy the quick and easy gains while they're there, and enjoy whatever program you select. Good luck and welcome

[Cameron_R]

... focused more on power-lifting than bodybuilding. Is that what you wanted?

I have no idea to be honest.

I'm not entirely sure what the difference is yet. I'm sure I'll work it out soon, in amongst the other dumb questions I have.

All I know at the moment is that loosing weight through not eating enough, not lifting any weights and stress at work is not healthy. I need to reverse the habits.

I will see what I enjoy, what works and more importantly what I can stick to. I'll take it from there.

First off, well done on losing weight sitting in an office, certainly not the trend :pfft:

Yeah, better than the opposite I guess