Hello, I'm Frank. 5' 8" 138 lbs 17 years old and have been wanting to start bodybuilding fro quite some time. Currently I am about 14-16% body fat I believe. I will post some pictures further down.

I am an ectomorph, so I will plan to clean bulk for about 12 weeks and see where I go from there, probably cut down just for the summer and bulk back up at the end of August for 6-7 months.

I'm really confused on which routine to use split, 5X5, what is a good starting point.

I just have a few questions, how can I prepare before I start to promote good form, and minimize injury? Also I took out a book at the local library called "Core Performance by Mark Verstegen. Would you recommend I try the Core stability program before starting or do It while training?

Last Question, Does anyone else keep a workout journal? What do you think work best, on paper or do you memorize what weights you need/reps/sets etc etc

Thank You

Pics..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2012/2219297029_4451485a86.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2219297173_bf1f3c7847.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/2219297307_ddab3b1b5c.jpg?v=0


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2229/2219297375_fffba93a2b.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2035/2220090512_e13e73b2c8.jpg?v=0

Thank You

any additional comments etc etc are welcome

You're in a great place to start! Try Mark Ripptoes Starting Strength. Excellent routine I wish I would've started with :P Don't forget to eat a lot of good, clean food :)

Second that recommendation of Rippetoes Starting Strength. If you don't have access to the actual book by Rippetoe, give this a read: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=998224

To answer your last question - I keep a workout journal. I scribble some stuff onto a peice of paper while I'm working out, and at home type it into the computer. I think its a good idea to keep track of what you are lifting - lets you see how you are progressing, and means that when I'm working out, I'm lifting a weight which is either the same or heavier than what I lifted the previous time.

Good luck!

A 5x5 rep scheme is fine, just keep increasing the weights week on week even if its just by a modest amount

Make sure your summer cut has only a small calorie deficit. Everyone can relate to wanting to look good for the summer but be sure your not sacrificing hard earned muscle in the process

I'm bulking myself and have gain 10lbs while losing 4 inches around my waist which shows the kind of 'newbie' gains you could experience yourself

Good form will go along way towards keeping injuries to a minimum. Study the forms on www.exrx.net (http://www.exrx.net) and keep the weight progression steady on the more complex exercises. You'll get it right in time.

Unless you have a very good memory or a very simple plan I think carrying about a small notebook with your exercises, reps &
sets in it is a good idea.

I've also found having an online journal with this website to be highly motivational

:gl: