Looking to gain weight, need help.

Hey guys, glad to be a part of this site, I look forward to learning more about fitness. I wasn't sure where to post this, so I thought of posting it here to get a nudge in the right direction. I'm a 17 year old male, and I only weigh 111 pounds. This is very embarrassing for me, and I'd like to gain more weight before I head off to college next year. I'm not a very active person, I mainly stay at home.

I'd like to work out at home, but I don't know where to start. I have a set of weights here that I could use, which should help. I don't really want to go to a gym because I'd feel it'd be embarrassing until I start gaining more weight. So what exercises should I focus on to gain muscle? How many times should I do them, and when?

As for nutrition, what foods should I focus on? Which ones are the healthiest and are the most abundant in calories? What should I eat before and after a workout session? Are there any links to home workout plans that factor in nutrition?

Any help is appreciated, or any links to threads that answer these questions would be great. Thanks for all the help, peace.
 
I can't help you with the weight gain as that has never been my problem. But, I will say that I see all kinds of folks at the gym - from 85 pounds to 385 pounds and no one ever gives anyone a second look. Don't be concerned about going to the gym.
 
I agree with g8's comment re "Don't be concerned about going to the gym".

Most people who go to a gym get zoned out with their own workout, so they don't notice most of the other people until they have finished their workout. I get into my zone and sure, I notice who is in the gym when I fill up my water bottle, and I notice who is on the bench, etc., but the whole point of going to a gym is to get into better shape to do whatever it is we want to do, be it an Ironman, getting into better cardio conditioning, losing weight, gaining weight, etc. That's why we're all there. I hate to say this, but chances are you won't even be noticed for the first month or so, even if you're being taken around and shown how to use all the equipment. We're busy working out! We don't have time to stare at you :)

Besides, it's rude to stare ;)

The gym I go to not only has people from 100-350 pounds, we've got handicapped people, too. Nobody says anything, nobody stares, gawks or makes these people feel uncomfortable in any way. We've got a lot of trainers who take these people and try to get them in better shape. They've taken the first step to do something to improve themselves. That's commendable.

Any way you look at it, joining a gym is a win-win scenario. You might just make a couple of new friends, and you might even get a girlfriend out of the deal ;)
 
Don't worry about what other people think at the gym if thats what bothers you. Usually everyone is doing their own thing and don't really pay attention to you, unless you are doing a ridiculous amount of weight and you can't lift it lol :p

Welcome!
 
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