[Tony2DaMax]

I have put on the pounds during exams and am trying to lose weight (particularly my chest and stomach) and build muscle. I have a few questions to ask you guys since I am a noob when it comes to this.

Differences between free weights and machines? Which ones should i use?

Do i need to take supplements or is that unnecessary?

Any specific exercises you recommend?

how long will it take to notice results (lose fat and gain muscle)?


thanks

[antdac]

(Original post by Tony2DaMax)
I have put on the pounds during exams and am trying to lose weight (particularly my chest and stomach) and build muscle. I have a few questions to ask you guys since I am a noob when it comes to this.

Differences between free weights and machines? Which ones should i use?

Do i need to take supplements or is that unnecessary?

Any specific exercises you recommend?

how long will it take to notice results (lose fat and gain muscle)?


thanks

You cant spot fat removal. Free weights use more muscles to perform the exercise, machines dont. Id recommend free weights all the way.

Supplements arent always needed if you have a good intake of protein and carbs through normal meals, however if you feel you dont eat enough, then a protein shake or two a day would help.
Do exercises like bench press, squats, deadlifts, crunches, wide grip pull ups, barbell curls and skull cruchers.

Id recommend you going to http://scoobysworkshop.com/ .
Results very on how hard you workout and how good your diet it, but id say around 3-6 months you will see massive gains if followed well.

[Tony2DaMax]

also, how should i balance between cardio and weights?

[Goodkat]

Freeweights, no, compounds, it depends on a lot of things. Eat hard, train hard, rest hard.

[Tony2DaMax]

anyone have any more advice?

[joey!]

Wanna lose weight?

Cardio. That's running, swimming, cycling, whatever. It means you are going a constant period of time with an elevated heart rate and constant use of energy. Usually it only helps develop the leg and core muscles (except for swimming).

Wanna bulk up?

Machines for general use (e.g. upper body), free weights to target more specific muscles if they're weaker than they should be.

Find a routine that's good for you. I swim an hour and a half, doing 3 laps breaststroke to 1 lap front crawl, then work out in the gym for an hour.