LogFAQs > #980187424

2) Started with starting strength, eventually added in accessories. Lurked at fitness forums and eventually settled into my own routine which also jives with my work and social life.

What matters most:

- Sticking with it, and starting.
- Working out all muscle groups at least twice over the week. Allow for 48hr recovery (if you do legs on monday, don't do them tuesday). If you want do it 3 days a week a la Starting Strength, great. If you want to do upper/lower 4 days a week, also great. Daily? Knock yourself out, program accordingly.
- If cardio is part of your routine, and it should be, do it after lifting or on another session. Fatiguing yourself from cardio and then trying to do a heavy lift is an unsafe idea.
- Compound lifts first, accessories and isolations afterwards. Ain't no shame in just the bar; get good form before feeding your ego.
- Be proactive. Have an idea on the sets, reps, and weight you plan to do, generally 3 sets in the 5 to 12 rep range, with a warmup set at about 66% working weight. If you complete your sets/reps/weight! Great! Increment up next session. If you don't complete it all, so be it. Chill at the previous plan next session. If you fail for 3 consecutive sessions, rank down or mix it up (lower weight, more reps usually)

JustMyOpinion posted...

Was super bloated

Sure, Jan. The nurse porn that your bicep and forearm veins weave say otherwise :p