So, thanks to all the excellent advice from vince, mgoose, imhotep, et al, i've started a weightlifting program and am taking some supplements to put some meat on my skinny self. I've already gained several pounds thanks to Whey Protein Isolate.

I found a four day/week program on bodybuilding.com (thanks to vince for the website rec) that splits the body parts up nicely. I'm just over a week into the program and I feel excellent.

So far, so good.

(Pics may be forthcoming.)

that's awesome man! keep it up...

atta boy hit those weights

For anyone interested, here is the link to the workout program I'm currently following. I made a few minor revisions.

I invite and would appreciate any comments on the program (especially criticism).

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/work...rcount=28&s2r=

Well the thing is, any program you do will help, and the following is just my opinion based on the things I've read and experienced.

I'm not a huge fan of bodypart days, I prefer an upper/lower split, but some people swear by 'em so not really a huge deal I guess

I'd up the sets on some exercise, and to compensate get rid of other's all together. For example: You don't need both Seated Calf Raises and Calf Raises, or 3 different types of curls.

Oh and I like alternating body parts, so instead of resting 2 or 3 minutes between sets, rest 60-90 seconds and exercise a different body part. For example I'd change workout #2 to something like this:

1A: Close grip Bench 4 sets of 8-10 or 5 sets of 6-8
1B: (Weighted) Chinup 4 sets of 8-10 or 5 sets of 6-8

2A: Standing straight bar curl 3 sets of 8-10
2B: (Weighted) Dips 3 sets of 8-10

3A: Dumbbell curl to Press 3 sets of 6-8
3B: Pylometric (clap or swiss ball) Pushups 3 sets of max reps (increase total each time)

Anyways just some thoughts, although it might be good to stick with what you are doing for 4-6 weeks, get the hang of and try another type of program. You want to switch fairly often anyways.

Great advice, Mgoose. Thanks for the reply. I actually end up doing five sets and have revised some of the redundant exercises out. For instance, I eliminated the seated curl and the seated calf raises and added overhead cable curls, cable crossovers, bent-over db rows, and a few others.

I'll need some further advice in a few weeks when it's time to change my routine. Basically, where do I go from here? Do I adopt a whole new set of exercises? Mix up the exercises I'm currently doing?

Thanks again!

Yeah I'd do a whole new set, maybe keep a couple of major ones, the lifts I almost always keep in some form are:

Squat (normal or front)
Barbell bech (normal or incline)
Deadlift (normal or Sumo)
Pullup or Chinup

Honestly I could just do those 4 exercises and be happy. I also really like combined execises eg:

Front Squat to Press
Hang Clean and Press

Like I said once your into the weightlifting grove do 2 "Big lifts" to start and then you can do smaller type stuff, curls, presses, rows, etc

Good job buddy!

I highly recommend taking progress pics b/c they are real motivators

Keep up the great work! Consistency brings results.

I'm trying to do the same thing.

I've been loosely following this program: http://www.ast-ss.com/max-ot/max-ot_intro.asp

Good luck!

As Vince stated, keep at it. Bulking up or toning down takes patience. Finding a partner is key. They're your motivation.