
Real talk, as someone who went from 450 to 200: the best routine starting out is the one you both enjoy and are going to stick with. The gains will come, focus on getting consistent first. The more content andwer? Do cardio every time you’re in the gym (at least a half hour), along with either upper or lower body (alternate between the two,) and a rest day every third day.
But srsly: focus on getting consistent. I can’t stand the treadmill for cardio. But the elliptical, or a long hike? I eat that shit up. And also: don’t be afraid to use weight machines- they exist for a reason, and don’t let the free weight gym bros tell you they are bad or any less good. Unless you’re going for body builder the difference between the two is negligible, and the machines are FAR more beginner friendly.