What muscle groups should I work out together? And how often can I work them out?

[jddud3]

I'm a noob with all this lifting stuff, but I know it's time for me to gain muscle. I just don't know how to set up my routine. Any advice?

ex. Monday's: chest and triceps
Tuesday's: shoulders and legs
...etc.

Also what's a good amount of weight to start lifting for beginners. I don't want to damage myself and I don't want to look like a wimp. Or does it just depend on the person?
I'm considered fit, skinny, slim, and I'm 5'8 and weigh 135 lbs

[SplitSpades]

Firstly the amount of weight doesn't matter as long as you're working the muscle. A lot of beginners get injured because they can't leave the ego at home. As far as the workout goes there is a lot of good workouts on the site to begin with. I'd do that, also maybe get someone to show you how up perform the lifts.

[SkydogGinsberg]

Starting out, you'll get further, faster, going full body. "Full Body vs. Split Routines - Which to Choose?" http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=139911893

Several in the WP stickies - w/ instruction on how to set starting weights: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/forumdisplay.php?f=8 All Pro Beginner's routine is a good starting point.

The "real secret" at your size, though, is eating. Nutrition forum for figuring your total cals, protein, dietary fat needs: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/forumdisplay.php?f=13

[Arsenal93]

For beginners i would say a three day split once a week should do for a couple of months. you can then ramp up the volume to twice a week or switch to a five day split.
example:
Monday: chest, tri's and shoulders.
Tuesday: back and bi's (maybe throw in some ab work?)
Wednesday: Legs.

Just lift whatever feels heavy for you, but at the same time you're doing the exercise with proper form. Do compound movements and keep a rep range of 6-8. And finally you gotta eat to get big!

[Waldo56]

Doing full body 3x a week and getting your diet in order will lead to the fastest progress for a beginner.