well for a while now i have just been doing cardio but i want to add strength training to my exercise routine. But when i go to different websites it gives me a headache going through all these different types of weight exercises it just goes on and on. I really don't want to have a body like a professional bodybuilder with every muscle bulging out i just want to be lean and have some muscle definition showing like how toby mcguire looks in spiderman. I don't want to pay for a personal fitness trainer but i want to know can i achieve this just by using the machines or do i have to include free weights as well? Also how many different exercises do i have to do for each body part say for example biceps or chest?

[This message has been edited by justanotherday (edited 04-27-2003).]

This really isn't as complicated as you think it is.

Just stick to the basic compound exercises mostly, then it will become alot simpler.

Machines vs. free weights? Machines are good in some cases, like when you want to do a really heavy set but don't have a spotter. Other than that, free weights really work your muscles better. When using free weights, you also have to balance the weight, not just lift it. That makes alot of difference, and works your small supporting muscles as well.

I think you don't need to do more than 3-4 exercises per body part.

Chest for example:

Bench-press, 4 sets of 6-8 reps each.
Incline barbell press, 3 sets of 6-8 reps each.
Dumbell flys, 3 sets of 6-8 reps each.

thanks good info