There are a large number of really good books out there. And even more lousy ones! I started from scratch without any help with a book by Rachel McLeish (sp?) who was the reigning Miss Olympia at the time. That was a long time ago. If her book is still available I highly recommend it. If you're interested email me and I can give you the publisher and exact title etc. This year I bought "strength training anatomy" an absolutely gorgeous book. Really outstanding, but you have to know something already to use it.

I am a big proponent of free weights, cable machines and some ball exercises. These type of exercises require good form, balance, and the use of many accessory muscles. So they are closer to real life. The only downside is using bad form which can lead to injury. I find machines WAY too limiting in the range of motion and muscle fibers enlisted.

Make sure you have fun so you'll keep it up. G'luck!