What should my goal be?

[Maxtro]

I'm a little lost on what my fitness goals should be at this time. Gain weight/muscle, lose fat, all the above, none of the above.

I've included some recent pictures of myself.

*Note: I took the pictures without clothes on, but I did a bit of censoring with MS Paint. The main purpose was to show my quads.

Relaxed

Front view, flex

Side view, flex

Slightly hunched over, flex

Later on I'll make a post of my stats, and what I want to accomplish.

 

[Maxtro]

Thanks for the post Kerpal but I have no interest in setting any strength goals. I'm much more concerned about how I look, than how strong I am.

 

[CaptainJ]

I would suggest cutting down, because you have quite a lot of fat. Anabolic diet is probably the best out there and quite simple

http://stronglifts.com/anabolic-diet-101-the-definite-anabolic-diet-guide/

When you get your body fat near 10%, then rethink your goals.

 

[EFFORT]

Later on I'll make a post of my stats, and what I want to accomplish.

Seems like you know then

 

[Maxtro]

I'm currently 5'6, 160lbs. I'd like to try and gain 10 more lbs and see how big I'd be. I honestly don't feel big enough yet.

So should I just drop that goal and start to cut?

Getting to 10% is a long term goal. Is it possible to still gain muscle while losing weight?

 

[CarlitosWay]

Thanks for the post Kerpal but I have no interest in setting any strength goals. I'm much more concerned about how I look, than how strong I am.

Yeah the two go together to a certain extent (you can always get stronger yet it's always just part of the equation) but nutrition+ the right amount of frequency/volume you hit your muscles with and always improving in either more reps/weight or form should all be in your focus. I'll say it again like I've said countless times, want to have the best possible physique? Train and eat like a natural bodybuilder.

Most of them are hitting muscle groups hard 2 times a week, eat a high protein diet, moderate amounts of good fats, and time their carbs correctly (morning time, before training or when noticeably looking "flat")

To quote Dave Tate do one or the other, you cannot train for strength size and fat loss at the same time and expect great results. ...as of right now you just look average and untrained. I suggest you just start eating as clean as possible @ maintenance calories and get your ass in the gym a minimum of 4-5 times, muscle groups hit hard twice a week. Fasted morning cardio any days you can or intervals or doing training sessions in the morning being the best things to do...

After a bit you'll see a nice shift in body composition as you gradually lean out and you keep the small amount of muscle you have and since you being a newbie, will probably build a bit at the same time. After you reach a little better body composition you can further look into eating to gain as much muscle mass as possible, which entails eating at least 800+ cals over maintenance.

http://www.fitday.com is a good site to figure out some sort of base line. Don't obsess over numbers just put in work eat clean, train hard and you'll see quick results.:box:

Great article here by Dave Tate.
http://articles.elitefts.com/articles/training-articles/top-5-transformation-tips/

Some of my fav nattie BB'ers

Layne Norton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIxM2xA3utcv

Jeff Willet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwOGvx7Ma4I


Jeff Rodriguez (awesome physique and a beast!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-usx3_f7uk
legs http://www.youtube.com/user/jrodvideo#p/u/1/YeZwArPSpiE

Look what most of these guys have in common is low/moderate volume and very high intensity, leave your blood, sweat and tears in the gym or don't even bother walking in that ****in' door.

Have met this guy in person Kevin Jackson...strong/big as hell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZlbJwdwnnQ

 

[Rampage1]

You are fat at the minute...your goal should be to loose fat and maintain whatever muscle you have.

After that you can gain muscle, but what is the point in having loads of muscle under layers of flubber if your aim is to look good...which you don't by the way in case you didn't know