How should I exercise (AS A BEGINNER)??

So I'm 18, male, 5'2 in height, and I weigh 112-114 lbs.

I haven't really worked out at all since middle school because I've become really lazy over the years. I want to know the best strategy for working out as a BEGINNER. Nothing too strenuous. I want to know how often I should be working out, how often do I need to break, and how long would it take before you start seeing a noticeable difference? My arms and legs have no muscle whatsoever and my belly sort of pokes out so I have no abs at all.

Thanks for helping me. I just really need a change.

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SW-User

I can't give you advice, I only know what works for me. Good luck though.
If you have the money, you could get a gym membership and ask them to show you the equipment and how to start.

ManicMicah · 26-30, M

Thanks for trying lol. And nah, I'm trying to find ways that work for me in the comfort of my own bedroom where nobody can see me XD

OceanKayak · 31-35, M

Aiyana, that's good advice. They can suggest a program that will fit his goals.

SW-User

@TheDarkestZero: Mmm, assuming that you're trying to build muscle (or even if you're not), maybe try bodybuilding.com's forums? My brother used it when he was weight training for sports in high school, and I've been there a couple times to ask how to start/what to expect as a woman. They're pretty nice, I'm sure they would be willing to help you start.
I just think they'd give you better, more targeted answers than random people on SW.

OceanKayak · 31-35, M

@TheDarkestZero: Are you shy? Everyone there is there to help each other. There are guys in every shape and size trying to look good. Trust me, you'll feel at home.

SW-User

@OceanKayak: Exactly this. People are too focused on their own progress to judge you, and the staff are just there to help you train.

ManicMicah · 26-30, M

@OceanKayak: I am kinda shy, it's just...I wouldn't really fit in there. I'm shorter than the average male, I have little to NO muscle at all, I've just never been good being watched working out in front of people. And if I start struggling and possibly start freaking out or panicking that I'm not doing it right, I don't want anybody to see that. I'd feel a lot less pressure away from everybody. I'd go outside and jog around my apartment complex if I wasn't too damn scared of random passersby looking at me as I run by.

OceanKayak · 31-35, M

@TheDarkestZero: That's precisely why you need to go to a gym. It will help you build confidence. The members themselves and the staff will assist you in reaching your goals.

Not all gyms are equal so find one that you're comfortable in.

In 30 to 45 days, you'll likely to weigh in at 125 - 130 pounds so be prepared to buy some new clothes.

ManicMicah · 26-30, M

@OceanKayak: One, I'm not even sure there's a gym in my town. And I'd need a ride to a gym if there is. The town I'm in is pretty huge and I don't think I'm ready to walk ten or more miles to reach a destination.

And wait a minute, building a little muscle will raise my weight by THAT much? I've been 112 pounds since I was 14 or 15. How will adding a little muscle change that? I could gain a lot more weight by working out even if I don't increase my appetite? Because I already don't eat much, but that's because too much food makes me sick.

OceanKayak · 31-35, M

@TheDarkestZero: Yes, a 10% weight gain is quite normal.

Go to a library and read a few Men's Health or Men's Fitness magazines and see what fits your lifestyle. Go to a sporting goods store and chat with someone about getting a set of dumbbells.

Just walk up to someone who looks like a body builder and chat it up. People all around us are ready and willing to help. Trust me.

But don't start anything you're not willing to finish.

ManicMicah · 26-30, M

@OceanKayak: Thanks for the helpful advice. Talking to people I've never met before is not my strong suit, however. For now I'll just try the usual push-ups/sit-ups for now. If I can feel my muscles straining inside my arms and/or legs that means I'm doing it correctly, right? Earlier I did a little less than ten pushups and already I could feel my arms stretching from the inside.