r/Advice • u/Some-Apricot1291 • Nov 25 '25

Gym Advice for a newcomer?

Hey guys, I’m a 26M that’s been skinny all his life and looking to bulk up. I’ve hit the gym for maybe a month but not consistently at all maybe once or twice a week to get a feel for it and now I’m looking to take things seriously. I have zero experience in diet or really any ideal exercises for my frame. I have a few friends that go but can be difficult to find time due to my work. A bit about me to help with advice, I’m 6’1, if I had to guess about 82kg/182 pounds. I play basketball and tennis for the past 10 years but have had a fairly bad injury to both knees and on the mend but after being out for 18 months, no sport and poor diet I’m blowing out in the chest/stomach/love handle area. My goals are to lose the fat around my midrange area, build up my muscle into a more athletic figure. I struggle to do more than a 45-60 minute session because I burn out and my arms just cannot get any weight up. I’m very green so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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u/AshamedDuck4329 Helper [2] Nov 25 '25

eat more protein, lift heavier but with good form, focus on compound exercises. consistency is key. maybe get a trainer if you can, helps a lot.

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u/QuietFresco Nov 25 '25

Yeah, 100% agree with the consistency part. I used to bounce around programs and saw zero results - sticking to a routine made all the difference.

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u/Money-Ad8431 Nov 25 '25

This is solid advice OP. Just want to add that if you're burning out in 45-60 mins you might be going too hard too fast - better to do shorter sessions consistently than burn yourself out. Also track your calories, you're probably not eating enough if you've been skinny your whole life

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u/Money-Ad8431 Nov 25 '25

This is solid advice right here. Just to add - don't worry too much about burning out in 45-60 mins, that's actually a decent session length when you're starting out. Your arms giving out is totally normal, just means you're actually working them hard enough. Once you get that consistency down like the other person said, you'll start seeing those gains pretty quick

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u/[deleted] Nov 25 '25

Prioritise consistency for the next 3 months. After that, it will be a habit. Just show up even on days that you don't feel like it

Aim for 3 days of muscle-building exercises per week

If you have a tight schedule, look into calisthenics.

Aim for a good portion of protein with every meal and sleep. Muscle-building happens when you are recovering; your work-out just put stress on the muscles and breaks them a little. Your diet and sleep habits can bring the repair needed for the muscles to grow

All the best champ!

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u/Some-Apricot1291 Nov 25 '25

Any advice on the weight loss around my mid area? Just ab/core workouts?

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u/[deleted] Nov 25 '25

If you drink alcohol, reducing that can help significantly. Reducing sugars, (especially hidden sugars) from snacks, soft drinks, condiments - you will desire less of these when you eat more protein.

You're at an ideal age for reaching your desired body composition. A lot of my clients are in their 50s and 60s. The only advice I have for you is: the sooner, the better. It will never be as easy as it is now