Getting into working out/weight lifting, need help.

[SaintV]

I am 34 years old. 170 pounds, the most I have ever weight in my life. My body really is not terrible. But I'm starting to get a bit of a belly, and I just want to be in better shape overall. 

I used to go to the gym in my early twenties with a guy that actually knew what he was doing. An aspiring power lifter, but that only lasted a few months. I'm not looking to get jacked and body builder level. Just stronger and even out some.  I have already bought and built a decent home gym in my spare room, but I need some kind of plan. I'm not asking for a full time physical trainer for free. Just a good outline on exercises that I can follow. Maybe suggestions on things to add to my home gym. 

Just to add, at the moment I am mostly skipping leg day. My job is pretty much carrying a eighty plus pound tool bag up and down stairs all night. My legs are fine at the moment. But as I build upper body I will work on them more to keep even. So ask any questions you need and I will answer and any help is appreciated. 

 

[+ jeezopete]

Youtube can be a good source of information like this. Just search for various topics like "arm workouts", "building bigger chest", "building muscles for beginners", "home workouts", "home gym", etc. You can find some great tutorials there. Good luck.

[Nightowl]

I’d recommend working out with a personal trainer a couple of times each week and ask him/her to build a companion program that you can do in your home gym on your off days.

[+ muscleboyinsd]

Hey Saint!  I sent you a private message with my full at-home workout.  It was a little long so I didn't want to post it here.

[BSR]

On 9/26/2025 at 3:26 AM, Nightowl said:

I’d recommend working out with a personal trainer a couple of times each week and ask him/her to build a companion program that you can do in your home gym on your off days.

I was reluctant to pay for personal training in the past simply because of price.  Hey, you can learn a lot from watching YouTube videos for free.  But since the posh gym I joined in Madrid had surprisingly affordable personal training sessions, I signed up for a 10-pack and am happy I did.

Yes, he helped me a lot with creating a workout program, helping me with technique, explaining what you should/shouldn’t do and why, etc.  More than anything, he keeps me “honest” — I’m sticking to my workouts better and working a lot harder than I would solo.

If it’s within your budget, I would definitely recommend hiring a trainer.  If not, YouTube can be quite helpful, assuming you can find a good channel or two.

[marylander1940]

5 hours ago, BSR said:

I was reluctant to pay for personal training in the past simply because of price.  Hey, you can learn a lot from watching YouTube videos for free.  But since the posh gym I joined in Madrid had surprisingly affordable personal training sessions, I signed up for a 10-pack and am happy I did.

Yes, he helped me a lot with creating a workout program, helping me with technique, explaining what you should/shouldn’t do and why, etc.  More than anything, he keeps me “honest” — I’m sticking to my workouts better and working a lot harder than I would solo.

If it’s within your budget, I would definitely recommend hiring a trainer.  If not, YouTube can be quite helpful, assuming you can find a good channel or two.

Investing in our own health must always be in our budget even if we have to cut some other expenses.

On 9/23/2025 at 2:20 AM, SaintV said:

I am 34 years old. 170 pounds, the most I have ever weight in my life. My body really is not terrible. But I'm starting to get a bit of a belly, and I just want to be in better shape overall. 

I used to go to the gym in my early twenties with a guy that actually knew what he was doing. An aspiring power lifter, but that only lasted a few months. I'm not looking to get jacked and body builder level. Just stronger and even out some.  I have already bought and built a decent home gym in my spare room, but I need some kind of plan. I'm not asking for a full time physical trainer for free. Just a good outline on exercises that I can follow. Maybe suggestions on things to add to my home gym. 

Just to add, at the moment I am mostly skipping leg day. My job is pretty much carrying a eighty plus pound tool bag up and down stairs all night. My legs are fine at the moment. But as I build upper body I will work on them more to keep even. So ask any questions you need and I will answer and any help is appreciated. 

 

It's never too late to start. Just make sure to keep a healthy diet and eat a lot of protein 30 mins after hitting the gym.

[pubic_assistance]

The biggest mistake people make in hitting the gym without experience is thinking that a YouTube video or a list of exercises is an adequate way to get fit. 

There are many minor adjustments to posture and technique that a trainer can spot that you will be oblivious to on your own.

I know a young very nice looking fellow in my neighborhood who started hitting the gym regularly without any training and now tells me about his visits to the chiropractor and constant pain he suffers. Absolutely START with a trainer. You will avoid injury and accomplish much more with someone who is skilled enough to show you the RIGHT way to do exercises. Eventually you will be able to do them on your own.

I have used multiple trainers over years even though I was trained in high school by my wrestling coach. Even somebody like me who's been athletic all his life can lose track of form and posture when I'm working out alone.