I've used 5 x 5 to get in shape before. A lot of it made sense to me.. Free weights are "better" than machines, squats are important, start light learn the fo

I've used 5 x 5 to get in shape before. A lot of it made sense to me.. Free weights are "better" than machines, squats are important, start light learn the form and increase weight as you go. I too was turned off by the author of the program - he comes across as a real dick in his forums -- It's analogous to the "if you're not doing everything the scrum way don't call what you're doing scrum" hardliners. What's important to a newbie is the structure and the gradual, incremental improvements. As Henry Rollins says "the iron doesn't lie" If each week you're adding 5lbs that's measurable improvement and helps with the motivation. I like to think of going to the gym like leveling up my constitution :) Regardless if you do 5 x 5 or do "starting strength" just do something and get over the initial inertia. You'll be sore as hell that first week, but it does get better. My other suggestion is bring a friend of similar level of non-fitness and start together (assuming you don't sabotage each other by talking each other OUT of going to the gym each time) -- makes it less embarrassing when you have a partner who is also struggling with a small amount of weight on the bar -- it's not a contest, but a little healthy competition and support goes a long way. Also try not to compare yourself to the meatheads in the gym with multiple huge wheels of cheese on the bar... don't be intimidated. You're there to get stronger and that's it. shrug