Stazi pretty much sums it up.. I started seriously working out about 2 months ago, after a 4 year hiatus. Since I had previously injured my wrists, I took it easy for the first month, and worked solely with the machines. I've now started incorporating DBs and barbells into my workout, and have shown amazing results.
For the first month, I was taking Whey twice a day (30 mins before my workout, and right after my workout), along with a multi-vitamin. Now I'm also taking Creatine (with Gatorade) right after my workout, along with my 2nd helping of Whey. My workout schedule got kind of screwed up with some new work hours, so I can't say how good the Creatine is working, but for the 10-days I was on it, I was showing nice gains.
As for cardio, I like the Elliptical. You burn 3x the calories of using the treadmill, and it gives your legs a wicked workout as well.
I work out every other day, and work the same muscle groups in each workout. Some gurus frown on this practice, but it's worked well for me, so I'm content with it. Good luck!
