Body weight exercises can really do wonders. Real push ups ... full squats ... that sort of thing. Also, you could use other objects as weights. For instance, a 1 gallon jug of water weighs just over 8lbs. You can use them like kettlebells. Some stores also sell 3 gallon and 5 gallon water jugs (the kind that go on those water dispensers). Try doing 30 squats holding a 5 gallon water jug

There's plenty of ways to work out without fancy equipment or a lot of money to blow on equipment.

As for definition and building muscle - for definition you have to burn fat. Which means you should do combo cardio and body weight exercises (for instance, do a 5 min workout where you do mountain climbers, squats and push ups in 30 sec intervals - that's an intense workout) ... basically you burn more calories than you take in so that your body uses the fat reserves. At the same time though, you want to be following healthy diet that includes lean meats (where you'll get the protein to build muscle) and vegetables. You don't have to be chugging expensive protein shakes all day long. Carbs will not help you much with definition or muscle building. They're good for energy and of course multi-grain stuff is good for fiber, but don't go overboard on them and avoid processed foods.

This is all stuff I've learned from a couple personal trainers and a nutritionist I've worked with.

Pretty much what insideontheoutside said - excellent tips! 

I am pre-T but decided to start working out as I love the buzz you get from it and wanted to feel more confident. I work out at home and do quick, high-intensity bodyweight circuits of squats, press-ups, lunges, dips, sit-ups etc about 4 times a week. I've just started doing weights (with adjustable dumbbells), twice a week too as I want to increase my muscle mass now that my body fat has dropped to better levels.

My tip is to set yourself a goal and keep it simple and specific, e.g. "I want to drop an inch off my hips in a month." Take measurements of where you are now - weight, waist size, BMI, body fat % - and then you can compare where you get to in a month from now.

As for nutrition, try to up the protein content of your diet. You could have yoghurt instead of cake for dessert or scrambled eggs on brown toast instead of cereal for breakfast, just simple stuff like that. Don't cut out all your carbs or you'll feel pretty crap, but make sure the ones you do have are the more filling ones such as brown bread and wholegrain pasta. Protein shakes can be useful but if you want to buy one, check that it's a low-fat and low-carb one - I recommend MaxiMuscle ProMax or ProMax Diet.

And most importantly - have fun with it! Do exercises you enjoy and let yourself have beer and chips sometimes, cos man cannot live on salad alone!

a great way to put on some muscle is a chin up bar the doorway ones cost like $15-$20 and even if you cant do any yet just jumping up and holding yourself there will help you get stronger then you can slowly do 1 then 2 until you can do a bunch.also if you have 10lb weights you can work a bunch of different muscles. working out in a gym and you will build muscle much faster if you can afford it (i can not).

I know a genetic male and his genetic female spouse who are body builders. They recommend a high protein diet, lots of water, and a strenuous workout using heavy weight and a few reps as you're able on alternating days only to build large bulky muscle mass and lean body mass. They are beautiful specimens! When a born female gets on T and follows this sort of game plan there will be some really dramatic body masculinizing.

It depends on your dose but likely 2 weeks on T won't bring much of a change in the rate at which you gain muscle.

Pre-T I would work out daily but it didn't change much so I stopped; it was pointless. Around 6 months I noticed I was gaining muscle faster, and at 12 months it was way faster. Now at 17 months almost every time I work out I can see results.

Quote from: poptart on February 04, 2012, 07:15:47 PM
It depends on your dose but likely 2 weeks on T won't bring much of a change in the rate at which you gain muscle.

Pre-T I would work out daily but it didn't change much. Around 6 months I noticed I was gaining muscle faster, and at 12 months it was way faster. Now at 17 months almost every time I work out I can see results.

I'm at around 4.5 months and almost every time I workout I can see results.
To be honest, I think it just depends on the person and the type of workout you're doing.
You posted someone else that you started out on a lower dose and I did as well, but I still noticed muscle gain even on the lower dose - especially much quicker than it was beforehand. Being this is the case for me, I'm sort of eager to see what I look like once I hit a year. :] Makes me excited.

Now, if only my goddamn face would clear up...
=/

Quote from: JasonRX on February 04, 2012, 07:21:01 PM
I'm at around 4.5 months and almost every time I workout I can see results.
To be honest, I think it just depends on the person and the type of workout you're doing.
You posted someone else that you started out on a lower dose and I did as well, but I still noticed muscle gain even on the lower dose - especially much quicker than it was beforehand. Being this is the case for me, I'm sort of eager to see what I look like once I hit a year. :] Makes me excited.

Sweet.
Everyone responds to T differently so there's no definite answer for the OP's question. I was just giving my experience.

Thanks for the advice, everyone!  You've given me a good place to start and I don't see the harm in starting now.  I really appreciate the info...