What to do now??

[psyopwak]

I am a new member to this discussion forum and I need a little guidance.

I am 45 yrs old and by no means a triathlete, or built like a young Arnold Swarzenagger. I try to stay fit enough to pass the Army physical fitness test (APFT) twice a year.

I am about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weigh 190lbs. (Could stand to lose about 15lbs.)

I want to get into good shape. I want more energy and be more fit. I decided to follow the "home gym" route to get into shape. I just bought a Hoist V3 home gym and a GOOD treadmill. I also bought a GOOD large gym ball and, dumbell weights. I do not have limitations due to illness, injury or other things.

What else do I need?? Any recommendations on books, equipment, or just the right path to go would be very welcome.

I want to build strength, lose the gut, get more aerobically fit and most of all, have more energy.

 

[HodgeMN]

Well, I would sell/take back the home gym and invest in some free weights and a power rack - probably will be much cheaper in the end. Alot of threads on training and diet here........

 

[s8nlilhlpr]

Agreed ^^^, you don't need a "home gym" machine contraption. Just a good barbell, some weights, a squat rack and a bench. Probably quite a bit cheaper also. Any particular reason you prefer a treadmill over just running outside?

 

[Protobuilder]

What else do I need?? Any recommendations on books, equipment, or just the right path to go would be very welcome.

I want to build strength, lose the gut, get more aerobically fit and most of all, have more energy.

Get a physical from a doctor. Ask for a full blood workup and check your testosterone levels. See if they're in the 'normal' range for a man your age. That's a good start just to assessing overall health and chemistry.

What else do you need? To learn how to properly perform a handful of basic exercises (preferably w/ free weights and not a homegym). Training w/ free weights a few times a week will build lean muscle, help burn calories (reduce the gut), and improve your flexibility and overall stability and strength. You might consider some light cardio, such as jogging a few times a week or just incline walking at a decent clip on your new treadmill. You can also mix it up quite a bit by doing something like, walk for 5 minutes at a decent pace, then jump off the treadmill, grab a barbell, and do 10 reps of squats or deadlifts, then go back on the treadmill and walk for 5 more minutes, etc., until you've done 25-30 minutes. Great way to get the heart rate up.

Spend some time at www.exrx.net. Read up on the various exercises. That's a great site. Also click on the links in the Training Vault sticky above and start reading.