Since you asked... I'm about 20 something years older than you, so our goals are probably a bit different just due to what happens when you get older. First, I definitely don't do enough cardio, but that's changing. I have a squat rack, a bench, pull down attachment, and a calf raise unit. I have about 450# of plates with the 2" holes, and about 250# with the 1" holes. I work out six days a week, alternating between upper (shoulders, chest, lats, back, and arms) and lower body (squats -- most important, calf raises, quads, and hams). I am Seventh Day Adventist, so I don't work, out or otherwise, on Saturday. However, this works great since I get three days of each routine every week. I mainly focus on major muscle groups, and don't do a lot of fine work, simply due to time constraints. What I have found is that consistency rather than amount is more important, and if you have to skip a day, skip upper body day, unless you're injured. Considering that about 70% of one's muscle mass is in the legs, this makes sense. Do not skip leg day. Arnold has a video on Jewtube where he talks about it. It's important. Since we're pretty far apart in age, your goals will be different from mine. At my age, I find that I cannot put on muscle as readily as I did when I was younger, and that I really have to be pretty careful to not injure myself, as it takes longer to heal the older you get. Mostly I'm at the age where I'm just trying to keep my ass from melting away to the point that I need suspenders and a belt. You're in a great spot to set yourself up for life by starting now and sticking to it, and the muscle you add now will still be there when you're in your 50s or even later. Stick with it, and try to do something every day. And finally...I get what you're saying about getting jumped, etc. and it's a valid concern these days, especially if you live in a city, and are of the paler complexion ones like myself. While I hope to never use it, I have a carry permit and usually carry, but I also have a green belt in American Kempo, and I did MMA training up until about 7 years ago when I ducked into an uppercut that sort of mangled my neck. The more ways you can take care of yourself in any situation the better. Number one: Do whatever you do for yourself; no one else. My workouts are a daily gift I give to myself, and if I ever need motivation, I just look at those around me who are my age and do not take care of themselves. Get some!