I started lifting when I was 17. I was 5'10 130 when I started and finished 2 years later at 5'10 165lbs. I was RIPPED! I then flipped my 4-wheeler and hurt my back and left arm. I quit lifting and never got back into it. That was 5 years ago when I quit lifting and I just turned 24. I am currently 5'10 and weigh 160 lbs. I'm guessing I lost about 15 lb of muscle and put on 10 lb of fat. Back then I had a max bench of 210 and last week I struggled to get 160 up once.
Anywho...I've been skinny my whole life until I lifted and now I'm starting to look a little plump LoL! What I would like to do is bulk up to about 180-190lb and look like the guys do on the cover of Mens Fitness; seriously. I'm pretty mad at myself for letting my body get this way and am 100% serious about doing something about it. I know when I see the pro bodybuilders lifting they "bulk up" and get pretty fat, and tone up when competition time comes around.
I was wondering if you guys have any tips on gaining a lot of muscle mass and still maintaining a healthy-looking body? If it's better to eat lots of calories/protein/carbs in order to gain muscle faster, I'll do it. BUT, if there's a way to do that and keep myself fit looking that would work well also. I also have bad knees and am afraid to really lift them like I used to. I'd rather do medium weight training on them (scared to do serious squats) and ride an excercise bike. I'm afraid if I work my legs out by riding a bike I may burn too many calories/carbs and not get enough to my muscles that really need it. Remember, I'm not trying to get huge but rather have a very good, healthy looking body that resembles what you would see on a magazine cover. Also, if you could recommend a specific type of workout regime that would be great as well. I don't think I've looked at a Muscle & Fitness or Men's Health in over 5 years so I'm kind of out of the loop.
Thank you SO much for reading this and thanks for any replies!
-Christian
Anywho...I've been skinny my whole life until I lifted and now I'm starting to look a little plump LoL! What I would like to do is bulk up to about 180-190lb and look like the guys do on the cover of Mens Fitness; seriously. I'm pretty mad at myself for letting my body get this way and am 100% serious about doing something about it. I know when I see the pro bodybuilders lifting they "bulk up" and get pretty fat, and tone up when competition time comes around.
I was wondering if you guys have any tips on gaining a lot of muscle mass and still maintaining a healthy-looking body? If it's better to eat lots of calories/protein/carbs in order to gain muscle faster, I'll do it. BUT, if there's a way to do that and keep myself fit looking that would work well also. I also have bad knees and am afraid to really lift them like I used to. I'd rather do medium weight training on them (scared to do serious squats) and ride an excercise bike. I'm afraid if I work my legs out by riding a bike I may burn too many calories/carbs and not get enough to my muscles that really need it. Remember, I'm not trying to get huge but rather have a very good, healthy looking body that resembles what you would see on a magazine cover. Also, if you could recommend a specific type of workout regime that would be great as well. I don't think I've looked at a Muscle & Fitness or Men's Health in over 5 years so I'm kind of out of the loop.
Thank you SO much for reading this and thanks for any replies!
-Christian