memoirs of a geek weightlifting experiment

[Alphathree33]

Originally posted by: Staley8

Originally posted by: Alphathree33

I'm more curious about how long it takes ... I don't want to be the world's strongest man... but I was a wimp, and I am still fairly wimpy after a month (although certainly lots of improvements I can feel and notice)

How long (approximately) will it take me to become someone who is visibly muscular (but not some super-buff jock)?

Keep in mind lifting is only 1 of the 3 components for putting on good mass. The other two are diet and sleep. I have a diet plan that I used to keep at it really helped put on good mass. Then I got lazier b/c believe it or not it is hard to eat enough good food during the day to put weight on for some people. I can post it if interested.

That's me -- it's hard for me to eat enough to put on weight... solutions?

 

[Spamela]

Originally posted by: Alphathree33
So I've been working out for about a month now, having NEVER worked out in my life before (I'm 20).

I always read about these complicated exercise routines, but could never really understand them.

I have a very simple routine that I DO understand:

- 3x10 lifts on each arm of my 40 lb dumbell
- 3x10 crunches/sit ups/whatever you call them
- 3x10 push ups

I don't really work my legs, but then again my legs aren't super-scrawny compared to my upper body. I can't really think of a good way to work my legs without machinery (I do this in my room, which is the only good way to keep me motivated).

QUESTIONS for experts:

- While most of my arm gets more musclar, my wrists are still their scrawny old selves. I realize people don't build muscle around their wrists, but there must be a way to do SOMETHING?
- Is there a good way to work out your legs without machinery? (strength training; I don't want to go running around the block)
- Will working my arms in the way I am eventually result in a bigger upper body (say shoulders, chest, etc) or do I need to do something differently? My shoulders hurt the next morning, so I know I'm exercising something in that area...

thanks.

you're not doing enough & pushups are pretty useless.
what are "lifts on each arm?" curls, military press, bench press?

do squats, as another poster said, for legs.

you really need to get to a gym & talk to a trainer or visit here.

 

[Lothar1974]

Originally posted by: Alphathree33

Originally posted by: Staley8

Originally posted by: Alphathree33

I'm more curious about how long it takes ... I don't want to be the world's strongest man... but I was a wimp, and I am still fairly wimpy after a month (although certainly lots of improvements I can feel and notice)

How long (approximately) will it take me to become someone who is visibly muscular (but not some super-buff jock)?

Keep in mind lifting is only 1 of the 3 components for putting on good mass. The other two are diet and sleep. I have a diet plan that I used to keep at it really helped put on good mass. Then I got lazier b/c believe it or not it is hard to eat enough good food during the day to put weight on for some people. I can post it if interested.

That's me -- it's hard for me to eat enough to put on weight... solutions?

Hence the weight gainers and small meal through out the day. Go to a local gym and just talk to a trainer. They should be able to give some ideas.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Go to a gym man...what you're doing isn't going to do much for you. You are seeing improvement right now because you did NOTHING before....the pushups and situps are not going to get you "bigger and stronger" but they will get you in better shape.

 

[TheNinja]

Try this. For me it is hard to do but does payoff. You just need to really put your mind into it:

Meal # 1 - 400cal, 35g protein
3/4 cup of oatmeal
1 protein shake (milk/whey)

Meal # 2 - 450cal, 20g protein
1/2 bagel w/ cream cheese
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 apple

Meal # 3 - avg: 600cal, 35g protein
decent lunch (sandwhich, chicken, etc. with veggies)

Meal # 4 - 480cal, 35g protein
1 banana
3/4 cup rice
1 protein shake

Meal # 5 - avg: 650cal, 35g protein
normal dinner (grilled steak, chicken, tuna, etc. with rice, veggies)

Meal # 6 - 400cal, 35g protein
3/4 cup oatmeal
1 protein shake

Totals = 3000cal, 195g protein.

Optimum Nutrition's 100% Whey, 10lb bag for $49 plus shipping = best bang for your buck

 

[Yossarian]

I won't order from allsportsnutrition again, they charged my credit card THEN informed me that the products were backordered.

 

[axelfox]

"Today the bar fell on me.....again."

 

[astroview]

Originally posted by: Alphathree33
So I've been working out for about a month now, having NEVER worked out in my life before (I'm 20).

I always read about these complicated exercise routines, but could never really understand them.

I have a very simple routine that I DO understand:

- 3x10 lifts on each arm of my 40 lb dumbell
- 3x10 crunches/sit ups/whatever you call them
- 3x10 push ups

I don't really work my legs, but then again my legs aren't super-scrawny compared to my upper body. I can't really think of a good way to work my legs without machinery (I do this in my room, which is the only good way to keep me motivated).

QUESTIONS for experts:

- While most of my arm gets more musclar, my wrists are still their scrawny old selves. I realize people don't build muscle around their wrists, but there must be a way to do SOMETHING?
- Is there a good way to work out your legs without machinery? (strength training; I don't want to go running around the block)
- Will working my arms in the way I am eventually result in a bigger upper body (say shoulders, chest, etc) or do I need to do something differently? My shoulders hurt the next morning, so I know I'm exercising something in that area...

thanks.

Have you noticed any changes yet? I'm in the same position.