A quick hello & overview!

[TK421]

So after getting some protein from MP a few weeks back and being in need of a more dedicated fitness and nutrition forum where I could get some friendly advice with minimal bro science, I decided to have a look around here. I liked what I saw!

So anyway I'm Mike, 24, recently come out of the air force. Let my fitness slip away and put on about 12 pounds of fat since november

I've not got a lot of lifting lifting experience, mostly running, circuit training, bodyweight training stuff like that. But I have decided to make a change, I'd like to be strong, and look like I'm strong and generally be healthier. Not to fussed about being shredded or looking like a bodybuilder (much respect for those who do though) I'm more interested in measurable gains and performance for general life and work.

Short term goals?
Get back to runnng 5k in 25 minutes.
Make decent headway with strength and have a respectable / impressive squat/bench/ohp. (never trained any of the exercises)
Lose a little fat.

Long term goals
No higher than 12% body fat (reasonable?)
Run a 10k in any time, preferably under an hour.
Be serious about my strength training, working with or over my bodyweight in all exercises (not sure how realistic that goal is?)

Method
Done a fair bit of reading around compound routines, mostly around Stronglifts and Starting Strength. I like stronglifts but I feel like I don't like the authour, I like Mark Ripptoe but I feel like I don't like the Starting Strength routine. Wierd eh?

I will probably run stronglifts, from the bar, as outlined. Use the starting strength book and dvd for practical knowledge, form, skill etc and of course get used to talking to people way, way more experienced than I.

Combine that with some couch to 5k style training, a bit of sprinting and hills, lots of good food, lots of rest and lots of time.

Let's see what happens!

[pb75]

hi and welcome
Stronglifts is superb for building strenght, and by starting with the bar means you will always have good form. However, if it feels too easy then dont be afraid to add a bit much than the recommended 2.5kg, but always best to be cautious.
Be carefull with the cardio though as this may compromise any gains you will get with the program. Might be best to concentrate more on the weights side of things and throw in a bit of cardio every know and then. Others on here will be able to advise more on this,