Introduction, Pyschological issues, Getting in shape w/o leaving house

[zacd]

burpee's as much as u can whenever u can. mix lsd and hiit on exercise bike. w/ a proper diet u'll have better cardio than nearly the whole gym in 2-3 months. after that if "in shape" to u means above average strength u'll have to get into the weight room. go at odd hours when it's near empty.

[TimM]

At 5'9" 180 lbs you are not that overweight. You would probably be best served by maintaining your weight and replacing body fat with muscle. Just get on a good progressive weight training program and eat at maintenance level. I suggest getting the new edition of Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training.

If you don't have space at home to buy an Olympic barbell set, power rack, and bench, I would strongly suggest you reconsider going to the gym. They will have tons of equipment you could never afford to buy yourself. I'm aware of what you said in the OP and your second post, but seriously, just go. You will see all shapes and sizes there and you will by no means be anywhere near the most out of shape person there. Everyone is there to improve themselves and you will get respect for doing the same. You are only 20 years old, the sooner you tackle this psychological issue the better, and you really want to do it without becoming dependent on medication, if possible.

As mentioned, you can go at odd hours when the gym is nearly empty, you can wear an ipod so people won't try to talk to you, whatever you need to do. At the very least visit some gyms and let the salespeople show you around so you know what to expect before you go out and buy some piece of equipment which will give you very limited results, and which you might wind up not enjoying and losing your motivation for.

[bwiii]

You don't have this lack of security on the poker table. Unless, there is a physical reason, get out there and give it a try. Since I'm paying for your college, it shouldn't be that big of an issue. Just having a little of fun.

[Neko]

try kettlebells?

[Rootabager]

Join a 24 hour gym and go late when no one will be there.

You can get a great workout at your house but I just work out so much better when I am at the gym.

Kettleballs are prolly a good option.

[Snafu'd]

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try kettlebells?

[/ QUOTE ]
I'm expecting a TR when you get yours. I'm on the verge of ordering some myself.

[Blarg]

They remain fun as always. Personally I think something being fun is the best indicator that it will work for you in helping attain fitness goals. The world is full of dull stuff that's great for you, but not many people do them past young adulthood, if they even get that far. Just too boring.

I always feel like I'm practicing something kinda cool with kettlebells, getting better at a skill. For me, that makes the difference.

[Neko]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
try kettlebells?

[/ QUOTE ]
I'm expecting a TR when you get yours. I'm on the verge of ordering some myself.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hopefully they'll be here today. I read a short e-book on them last night and am pretty excited to try them out.