Lose weight or Gain?

[Rimojenkins]

Hello!

Presently, I have no idea what to do or how to work out. I'm 17 years old looking to have a flatter stomach and gain abdominal muscles and have a firm or hard upper body. I believe I want to lose weight so that a muscular physique will show though I'm not entirely sure seeing as muscle weighs more than fat.

At the moment, I am at 18.8% body fat (or so the calculator tells me) at 194 lbs. I don't know how much body fat I need though I heard 10% is the barrier that I need to break to show abs and look better. I can post a picture if needed but so far I just do random exercises and have no set. I'm planning on carrying a journal around with me to write down the foods that I eat and exercises I do.

Can someone please help me with the initial question and educate me on what to do next? (I would prefer to get a nicer physique by the end of May i.e. not disgusting as is at the moment)

Edit:
I'm also 6' 1"

[fitoverforty]

Hello, welcome!

so far I just do random exercises and have no set. I'm planning on carrying a journal around with me to write down the foods that I eat and exercises I do.

Please post here exactly what you eat each day and at what times, and also what your weekly exercise routine is, day by day. There are lots of knowledgeable folks here who can help you, but you need to list what you are currently doing to give them a starting point.
A basic exercise routine to start with is:
M, W, F- full body workout
Tues. - cardio
Thurs. - rest day
Sat. - cardio
Sun. - rest day
Do you have access to a gym?
The right combo of exercise and diet is what you need to get the results you are wanting. Try to eat as clean as possible, stay away from processed foods (crackers, sugary cereals, donuts, fried foods, etc.).

Search the forums here and the Shapefit exercise section for ideas on exercise programs. Alot can be learned just from reading what others are doing, and questions that they have asked. Good luck to ya!