I think my first ever workout was in 95 or 96.... and I started going consistently in 96/97.... or at least, I THOUGHT it was consistently.
Isn't it funny how your level of knowledge, intensity, consistency.... they all seem to increase over time, in levels? I mean, back in the day I thought I knew what I was doing, thought I was consistent and training hard.... now when I look back, I making some ridiculous mistakes which make me cringe now.
For my first two years or so, I trained with my dad (who I thought knew what he was doing, but have since discovered he has NO idea) and was following a weight-training system called the "Matrix Principle" which involves light weights, and a lot of half-ups, half-downs, fraction reps (1/3, 1/5 reps etc) and isometric movements....
.... and have since discovered that it's a bunch of crap and I'm annoyed that I wasted so long trying to build muscle on a stupid system.
Now the only thing which is preventing me from making any real gains is my diet.... I don't have the money or means to buy a LOT of food. Sometimes I'm hungry, and just have to live with it.
But one day that will change.... one day.