Newbie - Needs Fitness Advice - How to start getting fitter

[ghowell13]

I am 16 years old, average height and have just finished my first year of 6th Form. I am quite skinny and do not have much muscle.

I have just joined a fitness centre and am hoping you build my muscle mass and my general fitness during the summer and would like some tips on how and what the best way to do this is. Also, on possible plans that may be suitable for me to do.

I would like to gain some muscle mass and I understand that this requires a good ratio of exercise, rest and diet...
What confuses me is that whilst I want to gain muscle mass, I also want to increase my cardio. I was told to spend around an hour at a time exercising my muscle groups, but can I do another hour of cardio after this? Or would that cause over exercising, and have negative results?

My plan would be to go to the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 60 mins and to rest on the other days. Does that sound ok?

What do you guys recommend that I do? (This can range from exercises to schedules etc etc, I’m open to all advice)

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

ghowell13

 

[Jrahien]

Doing both cardio and resistance training on the same day can interfere with the progress of one another. Mostly because the cardio tends to burn off the energy that your muscles would otherwise use to build up.

Doing the two on separate days is generally a much easier way to go. A run or bike ride twice per week or so in between your gym days would be excellent for you.