A new purpose at the gym

Hey all. For the past 2 years I was going to the gym for overall fitness and to lose weight. I was an out of shape college kid who could hardly run a mile without dying. I dropped at least 20lbs and can now run 5 miles with ease. I attended the police academy after getting fit and became even more so.

Im at the point where my fitness goals have changed. I would always hit the weight room and alternate cardio as well, but all that did was help me lose weight and tone up.

Im not looking to gain massive amounts of uncut muscle, but Im looking to definately increase my muscle mass. Ive always been skinny and would appreciate staying that way. Im a relatively strong guy, but I could use more when it comes to my upper body and midsection.

Unfortunately because all my fitness research and reading over the past 2 years has been focused on losing weight and getting fit, I never payed much attention on how to properly gain muscle.

I have increased my caloric intake. Plenty of lean meat, whole grains and carbs and protein shakes. No junk or soda.

Ive cut back the cardio a bit, but I dont want to lose my speed or stamina as it is an important part of my career.

How does one go about starting this. I can definately tell I put on a pound or two in the past 2 weeks, but I feel its either water or just fat.

Should I focus more upon weight training for longer periods and more weight. I used to do lower weights and a large amount of reps. Is it time to change.

Someone help a brotha out. haha.
 
Wow, where to start....

Umm, first, congrats on your healthier lifestyle and completion of the police academy. Ok, now on to the actual advice. Make sure you're eating enough and frequently enough. If your main concern right now is to gain muscle (hypertrophy), you're going to be working in a rep range of 6-12 depending on who you talk to and the amount of sets you're doing. As for lowering your weights, there is no need to (even during weight loss you shouldn't be lowering the amount of weight you use [unless you can't perform the right amount of reps for the weight you're using, obviously]).

Although I haven't these routines myself, here are two hypertrophy routines:

TESTOSTERONE NATION

Hypertrophy-Specific Training : : Official Home of HST
 
Phil, first give the forum a search for full body workout. You'll find so many it will be overwhelming. But if you find one that incorporates bench, pullups, deadlifts, bentover row, squats, pushups (Not necessarily in that order) go ahead and assume the post writer knows a thing or two.

Second, because you really need to focus on doing these exercises appropriately, without causing ANY injury (your career is too important), you should consider hiring a personal trainer to show you the proper ways to do all these exercises.

Also, congratulations on the weight loss...really good work.
 
Brutal man, brutal! Btw, Do cops in the UK lift donuts? Or scones or something?

:yelrotflmao: Scones?!?!? :yelrotflmao:

Yeah, and they have their butler Jeeves sat on the back seat to serve the Tea.

I think Police are pretty much the same in the UK and US, they get fit, pass the police physical, then sit in their cars for the next 30 years eating donuts
 
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