Back when I started training with weights, some 20 years ago.. in a galaxy far, far away..

Star Wars anyone? Back when I started lifted weights there wasn't nearly as much information available as there is now.

We had magazines like Men's Health and Muscle and Fitness and we had the big guys at the gym who we learned from.

I took a little bit from the magazines, a little from the guys at the gym who looked much bigger and stronger than me, and I also had some advice from my dad who was a big, strong guy. He was more than gym-strong, as he worked in home improvement and had what is called 'farm boy strength'.

So I put together a 'program' and got to work. I ran and lifted weights. 3-4 days per week. I did the old bodybuilder split- back/biceps, chest/triceps. shoulders/legs. I tried to lift more every time I went to the gym.

This worked! For awhile, at least.  Like most new programs or when you are new to lifting just about anything will 'work'- have an affect.

What would I do differently?  If I could go back I would have focused more on the big lifts (squat, press, deadlift, rows, pullups, dips) and less on the small stuff- the isolation movements- curls, flyes, leg extensions etc..

But hey, you live and learn. In a way, it was good to have no internet back then.

We learned as we went along. Injured? You find a way to train around it, adapt and learn what NOT to do. (usually involved poor form with too much weight)

Starting Strength

There's "Starting Strength" and other legitimate programs, of course.  Proven plans that will help you get stronger with the basics.

If I am coaching a new lifter I will have him/her start with plenty of bodyweight exercises: pushups, squats, lunges, pullups, dips, ab movements. We will also start with the core movements- squat, push, pull, upper, lower, carry, single leg/arm.

3 days per week is a great starting point. Sessions of 30-45 minutes. Also do 2 days of low-intensity cardio for 20-45 minutes. That's a good amount to start with.

I have had guys start with 1 or 2 days, but if you want to get better results you’ll need to train more often.

It's not JUST about getting stronger/ building muscle/burning fat.

It's building habits. Fitness for life. Making your physical fitness a part of your every day activity. So even if you only do 15 minutes of bodyweight at home on your 'off day', that's better than total rest. 
 

Build STRONG Habits

If you're new to fitness and the world of weights or you're coming back after a layoff, you need to build habits. A foundation before the rooms can be laid out.

Sure, there are a million programs out there.  And truthfully, most all will work for awhile. Anywhere from a month to 3 months. You can see results quick. Take advantage of this time.  Gains will come much slower as you progress.

There you have it.

3 lifting sessions per week. Find a program that appeals to you. The program is not as important as you think if you're just trying to get into better shape and aren't an athlete or high-level competitor already.. Add in 2 sessions of cardio to start and do some 5 minute mobility work each day.

Not a huge time commitment but it's your body, the only one you have. Give it some attention.

Don't be a slouch or think that the "dad-bod" is ok because some magazine said so. Hold yourself to a higher standard. I know you do. Just time to get to work on it. Don't wait another day.

You never know what the future will bring. So make today the day you start to take control of your body and your health.

For a more hands-on program, check out the REBEL FITNESS program that gives you a workout every single day of the year. You get the freedom to choose what kind of workout each day (from strength training to cardio or bodyweight workouts)

Learn more here: REBEL FITNESS