I have two questions.
1. How do I gain strength, and maybe a little bit of size but also drop the little bit of belly fat.
2. Do you think most people in fitness tend to over complicate things where a lot of people can achieve their goals keeping it rather simple?
These will be very simplistic answers for both, so I can drill down a little more if you like.
But the answer to the first:
If you want to gain strength, you need to do some sort of strength training. (More shocking revelations for this thread, I know - you guys are welcome. lol) It can be pretty much any style you like - barbells, dumbbells, sandbags, kettlebells, bodyweight calisthenics, etc. The tool isn't really as important as how you use it.
By that, I mean you'll generally want a program that focuses on compound, multi-joint movements, is moderate in volume, and progresses you in reps, weight, or both. An ultra simplistic (yet still totally viable) approach would be to do an exercise with a heavy(-ish) weight for say 3 sets x 8 reps. Continue to add reps when you can, as you can, until you can do 3 sets x 10 reps. Add weight, drop back down to sets of 8, and repeat.
As for losing some belly fat, it's about diet. For most people, upping the protein and getting calories in check will do it. I can give some recommendations here, too.
If all else fails (and this will party address
@Wild's question, too) just take a Ted Naiman-esque P:E approach. Determine how much you want to weigh in pounds. That's your daily protein intake in grams. At the same time, consume that many grams of "energy", which is carbs + fat combined.
So say you wanted to weigh 175lbs, you'd consume 175g protein and 175g carbs + fats combined daily.
Rinse & repeat.
As for people in fitness making things complicated - that's a topic that could have a lot of facets.
Yes, I think some do to make themselves seem smart and sell shit. They also do because most people are retards and don't wanna hear that all they have to do is simple stuff. Others gets wrapped up in "science" instead of just giving people simple shit that works.
All that said, the *vast* majority of people in the fitness industry are also colossal fuck-heads...so there's that, too. lol