Not sure where to begin.. need to make a change!

[808basshead808]

Hello everyone. I am 24 years old. I have just finished graduate school. Throughout graduate school I put on some weight. Currently I weigh 150-155 lb. I am 5'7". I feel somewhat fat right now. My sides make me upset due to stretchmarks. I have never really been athletic or physically fit in my life. I have Crohn's disease and I really feel like working out will make me feel healthier and happy. My ultimate goal is to gain visible muscles -- especially a nice six pack and arms.

My problem is that I do not know where to begin. Should I go straight into using machines with weights? Should I focus on cardio? Should I do both?

What should my diet really look like?


My apartment has a small gym -- leg extension, leg curl, lat pull, seated row, muli-press, dumbbells, treadmills, and elliptical. There is a YMCA next to apartment, that may be a better place.

I have added a goal to my profile -- lose 6% body fat and gain 15.9 lb. I am going for the fitness model physique. I signed up for the Steve Cook's Big Man on Campus program.

[iRaii]

Firstly, congratulations on completing Graduate School. I've a semester left and really feel the impact its been having on my physique!

Secondly, I highly recommend starting off with cardio to begin with. Contrary to what others may say, your initial focus should be trying to lose some bodyfat. You only need to stick with this for c.2 weeks. Following this, continue incorporating cardio for 3 days a week, whilst having 2 days in addition to this for full body workouts.

Monday - Cardio
Tuesday - Full Body
Wednesday - Cardio
Thursday - Full Body
Friday - Cardio
Sat/Sun - Rest