hey nice start mate.
Something i find usefull when creating characters is to setup a hot key for the poly smooth. Actually, i have set Cntrl S, as my smooth hot key. By default its the save button.
I jump from low poly to smooth poly and back again all the time. It easyer that way to see where your most major mistakes are.

by the way, the use of edge loops tool, and spin faces tool will both be your best friend modeling this. :-) so i your not using them, i suggest you check them out. It will make a big differnce to your model, expecially when you get into muscle flow.

Anyhow, hope this helps
Good luck

Nick