Hey guys. I want to get back into a workout schedule, but ever since I've been at college, I've become so lazy... but now that I commute and can spend time working out instead of partying lol. I'm a skinny guy... scrawny even. I would love to join a gym but I have a little confidence issue and don't wanna be shown up by the buff men and women in the gym lol.

I have a pilates tape series: lower and upper body, abs, and an accelerated work out. I also used to have a weight bench in my room, but got rid of it because it was a little defective... however I kept the bars and weights. I know pilates wont give me much muscle mass, but I'll primarily be using pilates for lower body and abs. And I plan to use the weights for arms/chest/back/shoulders....

But I'm kind of clueless as to what exercises to do with the weights? I have a barbell and 2 dumbells and about 100lbs of weights.

I'm also just looking for advice too. Is pilates a good way to go?

Any help is appreciated! Thanks.

Congrats on wanting to work out. I was a little intimidated when I started at the gym last year. But let me tell you no one is paying attention to how much you lift or what your workouts are. Most people are there to get results and pay no attention to anyone else. And remember everyone had to start at the beginning. Those buff guys weren't born that way!!! Good luck.

Thanks for the encouragement. :)

Hi mate, some great ones you can use are Bench Press, Push ups and Pec Flys for chest- dumbell row, bent over row for back- tricep dips, extention lying and standing overhead for triceps- and curls for biceps. It would also be good to include legs lunges and squats are great. Pilates is great for your core and abs and will help your overall program.

Work up the weight slowly as you get more comfortable, Start with somthing like the following program:

1 exercise each for the following:
Legs
Chest
Back
Triceps
Biceps

(your shoulders will be working throughout)

3 lots through the circuit with 10- 15 repetitions for each

Mix up the exercises as much as possible and play with different repetion to weight ratios. also you should rest for a day or two between sessions depending on how you feel.

Good luck mate and congratulations on making a start.

Brett
www.homefitnesstrainer.com.au

Thanks! My problem is that I dont have the bench, so i cant bench press lol.... but i can probably maneuver it so i can do it on the floor lol. Should I do each muscle group once per week? or do one exercise for each group every day? I'm a little confused.