I recently joined gym and I am trying to figure out right way for me to exercise. I have two objectives. The first one is to loose weight. I am 225 lb and need to shed at least 25 lb. My second objective is to shape myself and build muscles. What's the optimal exercise routine for me?

I am going to gym between 3 and 4 times a week. My typical exercise consists of three stages. First I run on thread mil for 25 minutes (2.5 miles, thread mill shows I burn 300 cal). Second stage is strength exercise (about 6-8 different machines, 12 repetitions, 3 times each). And finally I go back to thread mill and run again for 10 minutes, 1.25 miles. Total takes about 1 hour.

Welcome to the forum.

I'd strongly suggest that you read the sticky threads in the exercise area - especially the ones on weight lifting by Steve. There is lots of information in there about building an effective exercise routine.

Keep in mind that exercise is only a small part of losing weight and building muscle. Unless you're getting the RIGHT kind of nutrition, you can exercise until you're blue and you won't lose weight or build muscle. The sticky posts on nutrition can help you with that as well.

You want to eat a reasonable amount of healthy foods and make sure to get plenty of protein - without sufficient quantities of protein, you'll find it very hard to build muscle.

Thank you, I will have a look.

I eat rather healthy. No sugar, no soda, no fats, no processed food, no fried food, only grilled or baked. I eat a lot of vegies and fruts, drnink only 100% juice and tea. Only non-fat yogurt, 1% milk. I almost do not eat any salt, don't add it even to salads and soups.

If you're having problems losing weight, I'd suggest dropping the 100% juice. Juice is nothing more than a sugar drink - no different from drinking soda or gatorade or any of those sugary drinks. Yes there may be a few more nutrients, but calorie wise, they're death. Stick with water and flavored seltzers and low fat milk.