So I'm a lazy skinny guy who was never motivated or confident enough to go to the gym or get in shape. But I feel like it would be great to at least try...only problem is that I have no idea where to start. I'm a complete and pitiful novice at fitness in general. Nerdy kids who sucked at sports will understand this xD. Any advice on where the heck to start working out? I mean I really sincerely want to get in shape and look better but I just find the whole endeavor confusing and hard. For people that have played sports or trained since childhood this isn't really a problem...but for scrawny meh guys like me...it seems so complicated. I find it difficult to consistently commit to exercise because I'm not even sure if I will get decent results, let alone plan out how to progress. Does anybody know of a legitimate way to gain some muscle mass and get in shape without spending a large amount of time and money? I have no clue where to start...
I guess most people who want to gain muscle start by joining (or buying) a gym. When you join, one of the staff members will normally take you through the weights machines to show you how to use them safely. After that, you could either get a Personal Trainer or start your own exercise regime. If you choose the latter ... take it slowly ... Find 2 or 3 machines that don't cause you any discomfort. This will ensure that you don't start hating the gym after a while. Spened about half an hour using those machines. When you're finished - if your gym has one - go for a swim or sit in the sauna, steam room or jacuzzi. Just do that 3 or 4 times a week until it becomes a habit. After about 2 or 3 weeks, most people want to branch out to other machines and exercises and put the weights/intensity up on their favourite machines. The more exercise you get, the more you'll want to eat. So, in my opinion - don't worry about your diet too much at the start. (which is the oposite of what most trainers will tell you) That's how I got into it anyway.
As someone who has lost a great deal of weight and gotten into shape for competing in triathlons here is my advice; 1 - First and foremost, take it slow. You don't want to injure yourself. 2- Nutrition is extremely important, what you do in the kitchen is just as important as to what you do in the gym. 3 - While you said you don't want to spend a lot of money it is worth it to take a few classes with a personal trainer. They can show you how to use free weights, and a bunch of exercises to do with them. You can then switch through them. I find free weights to be much less boring the using machines. 4 - Stick with it. It takes time and mental fortitude. There will be times you don't want to go to the gym, or you have to get up at 4:30 A.M. to make it. You have to make it a priority in your life. If it's something you really want you'll make the sacrifices for it. 5 - Enjoy it. I love working out, it is MY time.
For me, I have to be doing something rather than just using gym equipment. So, that's partially why I got into martial arts. There's an overall goal, with the physical fitness coming as a perk. You could try something as simple as riding a bike or running.
