Klunk wrote (see)

I would add pullovers to that yorks barbell

and a tank top if it gets really chilly...............

Klunk , I've got a dumbell sheet as well - I've been doing some pullovers from that, crunches and so of them side to side bendy things with weights on one side!

I would select 6 say a session, and move to a 5*5 routine per exercise.

Gav..   is 5 sets of 5 reps really better than say 3*12? 

  Surely I've got to be using a very heavy weight in order to make it tricky to do 5 reps on last set?

(think I've only got 20kg in total or something)

Gav..   is 5 sets of 5 reps really better than say 3*12? 

  Surely I've got to be using a very heavy weight in order to make it tricky to do 5 reps on last set?

(think I've only got 20kg in total or something)

Personally I would say yes - I would move to a 5*5 routine for 3 months say, then 'shock' your system by reverting back to your 3*12 more endurance based one for a month or so. You will see sizeable strength gains and a increase in 'toning' if you complement with a good diet and suitable cardio.

You will need more weights yes. A lot more. If you have a strong lower back you should be easily deadlifting your own Body Weight.  Plus - not being condescending here -  beginners make excellent gains in a short space of time.  Maybe just buy them as you need them if you don't have the cash to get a full set straight away. 

Iron is far better than plastic and is worth spending the money on a decent set;  have a look on ebay/gumtree  as people are always selling them cheaply as you are paying over £1 per kg at the moment from the major retailers.

Would also recommend a basic Squat rack if you are working out from home. Although the cost may seem expensive at the start, it's certainly cheaper in the long run than the Gym which seem to be just full of machines these days.

OK thanks Gav, I shall give it a try.. and look at those sites.

I think my biggest problem will be (in the short term) finding weights big enough for say the 5th squat in a set to be difficult...

What sort of a rest should I be having between sets and exercises (of 5 sets)??

ta

GGgggrrr

I have large stomach muscles...

What sort of a rest should I be having between sets and exercises (of 5 sets)??

There's nothing concrete, enough time to recover to do a similar amount of reps and failing/almost failing on the last one.  Maybe around 2-3mins, will depends on the exercise.  When I say fail, I do mean fail with strict form i.e not utilizing other muscles to 'help out'. Chances are you won't be lifting as much as you thought. e.g. when you see people using their entire body to do heavy bicep curls to impress Gym bunnies. 

Gav, sorry if I'm being an idiot but do you mean 2-3 mins between sets or  group of 5 sets?

I was referring to sets, but doing compound moves you will probably need a break until the next group of sets of a different exercise. It's really down to the individual though and how they adapt.

I wouldn't get too bogged down with set variables , and even though I've recommended the 5*5,  it doesn't have to be concrete, if you can crank out another couple of reps, do them. The main reason I've noticed with people not getting the results they want, is simply down to not lifting enough and not giving it long enough to see the changes.

Look at Owls post - the 6 pack in 4 weeks b*llocks is simply that.

I like you all cuddly Dan, you're not meant to be ripped.

I used to do a lot of weights years back. Just couldn't find the time now, with work, studying and training for Tri etc... That is why I am favouring press ups, pull ups, dips etc, quick and you see results.

Curry and beer don't help, this is true....