1. figure out when you're going to the gym, how often per week, and how long 2. decide whether to focus on strength, size, or a mix of both 3. find a program online that fits your frequency and goals. google is your friend. 4. do a dry run. go to your gym and just do one set of every exercise. you'll use this to figure out where things are and what you're working weight is 5. go for real! remember to track your workouts (exercise, weight, sets, reps) and use heavy-for-you weights!