So I'll start with some basic background information on myself. I am 20 years old, and I work mainly as an audio engineer and a musician. I am also a part time college student. That said, the entire world of fitness is a pretty alien thing to me. I was never really involved in many athletics.


I am not obese, or even overweight. I am pretty average. I am 5 "10 and my weight will go anywhere from 150-155. I would really just like to get into decent looking shape, my body just kind of looks like a blank slate (if that makes sense). It's not really my goal to get completely ripped, but I would like to look pretty damn good.


I don't really have any equipment, and I don't know what to do or where to start. I am just looking for advice on things I can do at home to get results. I am not pressed for time, so I am willing to do any length of routine, as many days a week that would be appropriate. I decided to come here for advice because I realize that If I want results, I need someone with expertise to guide me a bit.

If you need anymore info than this please ask, thank you all in advance for any help or direction you can give me!

Hey chase8662! And welcome to the forum.

I don't know how long you've been lurking around and reading stuff, but I recommend you to start reading now if you already haven't. There is loads of information here, which will most certainly answer to most of your questions on anything related to fitness and getting fit.

First thing which comes into my mind when you say that any fitness stuff is pretty alien to you, and that you've never done much any sports, is: Start SLOWLY, be careful. Risk of injury is probably at its highest when you start, are not used to sports and are full of enthusiasm. Injuring yourself is a big motivation killer, and you don't want that.

Do you have gyms within a decent distance from your home? Based on my own experiences I recommend you trying to workout in a gym, instead of working out at home. The pros (for me) of working out of your home include:

- Equipment; good gym provides a huge variety of machines and weights. You're unlikely to get bored with doing the same moves over and over, which you might end up doing at home, unless you have the resources to own a "Titan -class" home gym (See link to John's homegym on the frontpage). Also having access weights way more than you're likely to ever be able to lift, is a great motivator and setting the perspective.

- Spirit, motivation, mood, intensity; For me there's no slacking off in the gym. No distractions, which home environment might provide. Also I feel like I'm "doing more" when I'm out of the house.

- Inspiration; seeing people training way harder, with bigger weights than you, gives inspiration, and humbles one.

Well, that's a short list of pros. Cons for me are:

- Leaving to the gym 6:30am, when it's completely dark outside and the temperature is -15°C (+5°F). And getting into the buss for a half an hour ride to the city.

- Sometimes that particular machine I would like to workout with is taken, and I need to wait a bit or use another kind of machine as a replacement. (One can always be social too and ask to work with the person using that machine ;))

Someone else probably can give you similiar list about working out at home. I hope this helps a bit.

Captain Obvious would like to point out that as a part-time college student you may be paying a "facility fee" that allows you to use their gym for free. I'd look into it. And they're usually open quite late, as I recall.

Otherwise, jmov has some solid advice. Good luck!