Pip-squeek!

Hey there guys,

I just recently found this forum so I figured I'd post some questions on the here to start off right. First of all, I'm a 20 year old Engineering Student. It's an occupation that doesn't really lend itself to the finer things in life -- girls, the sun, or looking bulky. I'm a special case though, growing up I was very physically active -- and to a lesser extent -- I still am. I was a swimmer, have done martial arts, and run for fun all the time.

My problem is, I've got a very high resting metabolism. I couldn't put on much weight if I tried. Luckily, the freshman 15 kicked in, so I've got a bit of fat to work with -- but not a heck of a lot. I'm not a health science major or anything, so I don't know A LOT about the subject, but I do know you need fat to make muscle. I'd like to use my summer to put on a bit of bulk. Something for September. :cool:

My big questions are as follows:
(1) Does anyone have any recommended diet tips for me. Something that will help me gain the muscle I want to look leaner -- in that short 4 month period?
(2) Is it a good or bad idea to go to the gym 5 days and exercising DIFFERENT muscle groups? (Assuming I was taking a supplement to help my muscles rebuild faster?) Also, if I do this, does anyone have any recommendations for how to divide up my muscle groups for the most effective results that won't land me injured?
(3) Supplements -- what do I use? I have no idea if I want whey, creatine, blah blah blah. Or all of the above? Anyone got some basic tips on what to use?

I really REALLY appreciate your help guys. I'm very serious about this and can't wait to hear from you. I'm a hopeless pencil neck otherwise. :p
 
1) you have to eat over your maintanance level of calories each day. eat at least 1 gram of protein a day. go to google and search "calorie calculator" and that will help get your calorie maintanace level. eat more than that.
2)it is a good idea to perform a push/pull routine or a fullbody routine using mostly or all compound lifts which target the most muscles. look at the mens weight training section and click on the sticky(permanent thread at the top of the page) and it will show you the compound lifts. fullbody routine 3 days a week push/pull 3 or 4 times a week.
3) just eat healthy and you can get some whey protein for post workout meals. it is great for after your workout.

yes you can make great gains in four months if you work hard and eat well and above your maintanance calories.
 
Hey there guys,
I'm not a health science major or anything, so I don't know A LOT about the subject, but I do know you need fat to make muscle.

Nope; this is a myth. I don't know where people get the idea that fat converts into muscle. They are 2 different things just so you know.

If you want to get bigger weight train (full-body-routine) 3x a week with these exercises

Compounds *(most important exercises)
Bench Press
Squats
Inverted/Bent-over Rows
Romanian Deadlifts
Military Press
Isolations
Bicep Curls
Tricep Extensioins
Calve Raises
*Core (abs, obliques, lowerback) you can do things like crunches, planks, side crunches, back extensions

To get bigger and add muscle you have to eat more then you burn. Use this calculator to find your mainteance calories and then add 500 and eat that everyday (500x7=3500 1 pounds which is a safe weight to add in a week). If your new to weight training start off with small weights so you can find what is too heavy or not. Find a moderate weight and get the technique down right also to avoid injuries. Get a gym membership and even a trainer if you have to. Good luck with your goals.
 
Thanks a lot guys!

Wow, you guys are a plethora of useful information! Thanks a ton!

I think I might just be on the right track now. I really REALLY appreciate it. :D
 
yea good luck to you man i admire your enthusiasm. dont let that leave you :)

just a reminded: full body. 3 times a week.
squats and or deadlifts
bench
rows
pullups/chinups
military press/dips

squats and deadlifts can be done on seperate days because they are trecherous to do on the same day. do them the same amount of times.

eat at least 1g protein per lb of body weight. eat good fats and complex carbs. drink water all day. have fun with it. break your old records. get strong. take care.

-jon
 
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