A lot of opinion here, hard to really sort out the 'right and wrong'

First off, I cannot think of a worse attitude of "wanting to lose a few pounds and not be so flabby". Dont be a puss, go in the weight room and lift like you are going to be arnold. Most important things in this order..


1. Positive attitude and setting ambitious goals
2. Eat right
3. Rest
4. Lift


If you lift weights hard enough you can cut your cardio time in half. Drink a fast digesting protein first thing in the AM and within 40 minutes of working out. Please, don't be that guy doing curls with the barbell taking up a squat cage just to be more toned. Complex movements work best to gain muscle/lose fat. Deadlift, squat, military press, bent over row and pull ups are so important.

Caffeine is an EXCELLENT supplement, take 100-300MG 15-30mins before working out. It boosts energy and dulls pain form lactic acid. Protein, Vitamins, and caffeine (in pure form, not some triple mousse chocolate latte) are an excellent base to use.

Learn to love pain, love it in the gym and walking around the next day. Seriously man, get pumped up and lift heavy and hard. Best of luck.