Help a newbie find the right program

[Stinson]

I'm quite new to working out and think it's time I start a program with some structure and a method for tracking my advances. I've read through the HGM program and looked at many others on the net. I really like the HGM program because of the length, spread sheets, and videos for the exercises.

A little back story to my fitness:
I've been working out for 4 to 5 months. I started on the total gym for the first two months and then moved to free weights. I'm working out 3 to 4 times a week and enjoy nearly every set. I'm a narrow guy at 166 lbs. 5' 11.5" and I would like to get up to at LEAST 180 and then cut my body fat...I'm probably around 10% now, I'll be buying a caliper soon. I'm 23 and sick of being the skinny guy! It's time for me to bulk.

I work two jobs and time can be an issue during some weeks. I'm smoker and drink a couple times a week and I understand that this will hinder my gains. I plan to quit smoking very soon. I'm starting to build a diet, but like I said, I have two jobs, so, I'm strapped for kitchen time (suggestions welcome on this subject also...plz.)

Equipment:
I own a bench with leg ext., dumbells, ez bar, swiss ball, total gym, treadmill, monkey bars across the street for pulls, and I'm going to build my own pulley system in my garage.
Which programs do you guys recommend for a new bulker? What are the pros and cons to HGM?

I know that I could most likely would be able to find videos for any exercise on net for any program that I choose and I could make my own spreadsheets. So, this is not really a factor...other than the fact that I'm lazy and like the fact that HGM has it all done.

Thanks in advance for any and all comments, help, and smart a** answers (which I enjoy.)

Stinson

BTW: I looked through the FAQ and found plenty of links, but no specific recommendations.....point me in the right direction if I over looked something. I also read Weight Gain 101.

[austintwo]

Trying to think of the best place to start - first, stop smoking, and drastically cut back on drinking - evan at your age, neither habit will help, to say the least.

Second, HGM is a tremendous place to start - you'll learn as you go, and you'll find that each phase incorporates a different training approach, so after several phases (and hopefully the whole program) you'll be able to judge more for yourself which direction you want to go in from there.

On gaining weight, the key thing is, of course, diet, as you know if you read Weight Gain 101.

Sorry if my response is somewhat generic, but I'm typing fast and short on time, but wanted to get the ball rolling for your thread.

Welcome to the Board!!

Good luck.

[Stinson]

Austin, thanks for the welcome and the quick response.

To quit smoking is one of my highest priorities at this time in my life. I made one failed attempt late last month and I eager to give it another shot at the start of Nov. Quiting is truly the hardest thing I've ever attempted...any advice form ex-smokers would greatly be appreciated. I can not wait until the day that I can say "I'm smoke free!"

HGM looks like a great program, but I hate to start things that I don't finish and that's why I'm asking for advice before I start any program.

I've read quite a bit on the net and mags. about diet. I'm going to have a LOT of trouble with this. I constantly eat, but it always junk food and like I said before "I'm always at work or on the way to work." Once I figure out which program I am going to use, I'll focus on building a great diet. Six meals a day is hard for someone that is always on the run or running late....I'm sure many of you face the same problem. Anyone have advice on this or links?

[Eventually]

In response to your smoking habit: Stop smoking the same way you started. I started smoking when I drank at clubs/bars and then I gradually started smoking during the day or stressful times. I had only smoked for one year but was still fairly addicted. To stop I first stopped smoking during the day...(which by the way will increase your appetite and help you put on some weight). I then would workout instead of smoke during stressful times (much more of a stress relief). After that all I had to do was stop smoking when I drank (very hard), but the solution was to become the DD more often, and cutting back the times you go to clubs.

You dont have to be a party pooper (ya I said it), but you have to realize whats more important, your long term health or instant gratification. After a while you'll look at girls/friends at the clubs who smoke and wonder how you could have ever done something so disgusting.

As far as changing your diet make a bunch of food when you do have free time, freeze it, and take it wherever you go. Fruit is also handy.


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[Stinson]

Thanks for the advice bro.

BTW, I already look at smokers and I can't believe that I've been doing this for so long. My ex is an R. Nurse and I was constantly reminded of the down falls of my unhealthy lifestyle....I've finally decided to do something about it.