[playahata]

Don't be afraid of the gym because fortunately (or unfortunately in some cases) muscle doesn't grow overnight, even for those of us hitting it hard everyday. Cardio 3 times a week is a good starting point, but add onto that a workout program than utilizes all bodyparts over 3 or 4 days with sets varying between maximum reps of 8-12 per set with an occasional heavy week where sets of 5 and 6 reps are used. Most importantly whach what you eat. Your body needs fuel and protien to grow and get healthy and all that fatty fast food will waste most if not all your time in the gym as it will suppress testosterone prduction and leave your body "satiated", but hungry for the real nutrients not found in that kind of food. "You are what you eat" is so very true and is the key to any healthy lifestyle. You also might wanna check out off-topic.net, they have a fitness forum where you can pose specific questions and it's full of knowlegable willing to give advice.