The Glade 4.0

For the first time in my life I joined a gym. It has the standard machines but I haven't used any of this equipment since high school. Anyplace I can go that would give me a set list or routine to use? (Or how the damn things work?) Somewhat intimidating to walk into a gym after not having worked out for several years so any help would be appreciated.

My goal is: be eager to remove my shirt by the start of summer if that's a worthwhile goal..

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Hokanu
Duty is a magnificent blessing because it is the sign of trust from the universe.
END OF LINE.

There's a great FAQ on /r/fitness at reddit.com. You can view it even if you're not a regular reddit user at http://www.reddit.com/help/faqs/Fitness.

Generally though, most seem to recommend a program called Starting Strength (SS for short). It's basically a users guide to weightlifting, I would look out for that.

If you have a smartphone I'd download Jefit app, it is free and allows you to pick from thousands of work-out routines (or build your own) based on your desired goals.

It tracks your performance (reps, weights and sets), has a built-in timer for the rest time between sets. All around just fantastic.

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This is a good starter sticky from a site I have used over the years:

http://forums.menshealth.com/eve/forums ... 1441036627

Neogaf has a good one too, I post on it occasionally:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=431741

Eager to remove your shirt is fine, but what would make you eager? Gaining muscle, losing fat? Both?

Rule of thumb catch all recommendation is get Starting Strength and the DVD. Learn how to squat, press, bench and deadlift. Everything flows from there! Any specific questions I can try to answer or point you in the right direction.

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“Strong people are harder to kill than weak people, and more useful in general”. - Mark Rippetoe

Thanks for info all! I may end up getting a trainer at the gym for one session to help me get through the equipment.

Ran a mile and walked a mile last night.

Dash my main goal - is losing fat and being able to see some shape! I'm 6' and about 195. I figure 180 should be doable but I'm not worried about weight as much as fitness.

Target date is June 1 - Warrior Dash is in June

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Hokanu
Duty is a magnificent blessing because it is the sign of trust from the universe.
END OF LINE.

I want to do one of those too. I need to look up when the local one is.

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Doing a Spartan Race in upstate NY on June 3rd. I think for those types of races cardio is your best bet. Run, sprint etc. I'd throw in basic stuff too.

New Rules of Lifting is a great program too, an older one now but it was great for me to get me started

http://www.amazon.com/New-Rules-Lifting ... le_popover

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“Strong people are harder to kill than weak people, and more useful in general”. - Mark Rippetoe

Hire a nutritionist/trainer, and work with them towards attaining your goals.

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Ezekiel 23:19-20 

Some of my friends from work did this last year, I went to cheer, it was a blast! This year it's right near where I live, so no excuses, I'm doing it!

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Dream as if you'll live forever...
...Live as if you'll die tomorrow

Vivere Senza Rimpianti

I finally convinced a buddy to get off his *** so I think I am going to pick up the Starting Strength book and start lifting a couple days and running a couple days.

I need to redesign my diet. Wife and I are gonna start losing some weight together if it kills us!

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Hokanu
Duty is a magnificent blessing because it is the sign of trust from the universe.
END OF LINE.

Michael Pollan books are pretty good if you're trying to clean up the diet. "In Defense of Food" is good, I've read that and I'm guessing the new one "Food Rules" is probably a continuation of that. There's also stuff online too though.

Definitely get the DVD for Starting Strength, much easier to see what he's talking about.

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“Strong people are harder to kill than weak people, and more useful in general”. - Mark Rippetoe