samson

It's going to be hard to gain 20lbs of lean pure muscle in a short time. Fat is a good thing. Look into shakes, bars, Ready-To-Drink shakes, Meal Replacements, etc. You don't have to have BIG meals. Mine aren't large at all. Maybe ONE big meal the rest is just for calories and what else I need.


Roid Rage isn't really true. Halo is the only one of the top of my head that causes aggressive behavior.


JP

Sonny7730

thanks for the suggestions and everything guys. i've got a pretty good routine going. I've gained probably 4-5 pounds in the past 6 weeks or so, so I'd say I'm right on track, but I just want to tweak my nutrition schedule to make sure it's at optimum efficiency. that's a good suggestion on switching to protein shakes right after the lift. I think i'll make sure the protein bar is right before bed, and the shake is right after my lift. I guess my goal was in looking for a weight gainer powder or something like that you guys would suggest. do you think the breakfast I have right now is good enough after sleeping? I know I'm supposed to replenish what I lost after sleeping, and I'm just curious if you guys think that would be enough, since I end up eating lunch an hour and a half after (my only break between classes during the day)?

thanks for the help guys, i hope this helps other people than just me.

samson

ANY whey CASIEN is good because it is a slow digesting protien. 7hrs to full digest, so shake before bed containing whey casien is good. I'm a little unsure on what else you need to know.


JP

Sonny7730

mostly what i was looking for was answered pretty early, but i'm always open to the little tricks or hints anybody can give. i've done a lot of research, but there's so much to this, i'm always looking for more info

samuraibill

I did not see this mentioned above but I thought would add this. REST is your friend; do not over do it. Muscles need time to recover from the breakdown caused by lifting weights. If you over do it you will gains in the beginning but after a few weeks they slow to almost none and this is major cause discouragement. Also be sure to eat a little something before and after your workouts this gives you the fuel you'll need and some before you sleep(your body needs fuel even then)

good luck

crxtuner

I have a question as well that i wasnt able to find. How long before a workout should someone be drinking/eating a protein shake and stacking up on carbs?

dragon

im not sure what you mean. What type of diet or goals are you trying to achieve. After i get done working out I MAKE sure i eat something or drink a protien shake right after i get done. If you have one of the portable shakes, drink right after your workout if you can't eat anything quick. Your body and muscles need nutrition because when your working out your breaking your muscles down not makin them bigger. So in order for them to grow and get stronger you need nutrition for them such as protein. So the only time limit to take a shake if your doing that is RIGHT away.

spitfire5454

It is very true that your body needs most after a work out. The basic rule is as long as calorie intake exceeds expenditure, you will gain weight. try to limit cardio to maybe 2 20min sessions a week if that. you need all the calories you can get. protien alone wont get you nearly as big as it will if combined with proper calories. an yes your body can only use so much protein at a time. if you take 500g at once, your just throwing money away (hence multiple meals). you can buy weight gainer if you want, but it is better to get your nutrition from real food. IF YOU ARE SERIOUS about getting big you will realize something very fast: it can get expensive. to eat 5-6 meals a day is expensive. This was my biggest problem. i didnt have the money to eat 6 eggs and 2 chicken breasts EVERY day. if your like me tuna will be your best friend. you will also realize everyones body is different and what works for one may not work for you. i personally dont like counting calories. So i just eat anything i can get my hands on. im always eating. i dont know exactly how many i take in, but i know its more than enough. My favorite body builder is lee priest. during the off season, he eats everything. he really likes to pig out at fast food places. you would not recognize him during the off season. he is a fat ----. but this added mass gives him something to work with during the season. when he strips the fat away he is a monster. i dont see how a 5'4 man can wiegh 235lbs. but he does. stick to mass building exercises (bench press) and avoid the striation defining exercies (fly). stick to low sets, low to mid reps, with HEAVY weight, get lots of rest, and eat, eat, eat. you will be fine. try abcbodybuilding.com. they have 8 week training programs for different body parts along with nutrition info.