Starting From Scratch - Confused!

[iananderson]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and have been looking into training on and off for a couple of years now. Each time i think i am making progress i am totally de-motivated by conflicting information.

I am 28 years old, 6ft 0" and weigh 13st. I am average build all over except for the tyre i have aquired no doubt through drinking! 3 years ago i weighed 10.5st and was a 28 waist. I am now struggling to fit into a 32 waist.

My goal is to tone up and lose the tyre whilst maintaining my weight as everywhere i have read it seems to be a good weight. The significant other is concerned i will become too bulky as and i am also. I dont want to bulk or anything like that just get leaner, add some definition and then maintain it really.

I have read the stickys in the diet section and on other sites, ebooks etc. I am confused as some people say count calories others dont. Some people say just concentrate on portions others dont. Some people say dont eat carbs (rice, pasta etc) until after training others suggest oatmeal for breakfast which contradicts the eat only after training statement.

I have no diet setup yet as i am completely new but i am getting the healthy eating thing cutting out crisps and working to include more fruit and veg.

I am at breaking point as to whether to invest in a personal trainer/nutritionist but realistically saving for a house this is not an option. I would be most grateful for any help you guys can give me to save me costs.

[JohnW]

Carbs or not depends on your lifestyle. Weights does not - and don't worry as big as a weight as you can hump you wont end up grotesque or wide that's for sure.

I honestly think that what puts off most girls but if they did it then they would realise.

I'd highly advise StrongLifts 5×5 Beginner Strength Training Program | StrongLifts.com

[Just a Girl]

If only people realised just how much hard work is required to get big and bulky. Please don't worry, it's not going to happen unless you really work you ar$e off.

I definitely think it would be a good idea to count calories, mainly because the majority of people have no idea how many calories are in their favourite foods. From being a member of a weight loss site for a few years, most people that join there (male and female alike) wildly over or under estimate their calories.

Have a search for a free online calorie counter and food diary - there are a few out there.

As for the carb debate, it all comes down to what works for you. Some people feel carbs hamper their efforts in getting lean, some don't. I carb cycled throughout my whole weight loss and it really helped.

Trial and error is the only way really.

[SpiderDan]

I love it when people are concerned about getting "too big" it doesnt happen like that. It takes serious effort to build any sort of size.

You may want to "tone up" and "get definition" (both rubbish terms) but the fact is if you dont have any muscle it doesnt matter how lean you get you will not get the look you want.

There is conflicting information out there because there are many different ways of doing things. People will tell you the details that have worked for them, they may not work for you. STOP READING AND DO SOMETHING.

1) Pick a weights program (it doesnt matter which one)
2) Lift consistently with heavy weights
3) Eliminate processed food from your diet
4) Eat enough to ensure you make progress in the gym
5) Re-evaluate in 3 months

Do this and then come back.

[dope540]

sound advice from the above posters.

lol, reminds me of an article where dorian yates was interviewed. he gets people in his gym that as him how to get big and that they want to get as big as him but no more than that.

[iananderson]

Thanks to all that replied been a massive help.

Just one other question. As i am beginning shall i carry out the calculations process i keep reading to determine how many calories to consume in a day?

[nelly]

train hard mate and stick with it a good diet and good routine is the key(and heavy weights), im sure i have seen a diet guide on the home page that may help depending on your goals.

[comanight2]

definetely cant hurt you - just dont forget to account for the additional calories required for your exercise!

this is my favourite article Bodybuilding.com - Energy Needs... What Are Your Calorie Requirements? - BiologyBabe

[iananderson]

Thanks again for the responses. To 'nelly' did you mean the homepage of the forum or the actual myprotein website?

[nelly]

yes bud its on the left under your goals on myprotein home page hope it helps