How much is too much?

[the_m@n]

Hey all. I was kind of a scrawny guy about 3 months ago (5'6" 136 LBS). I started working out and eating a lot and have put on about 10 lbs of muscle in about 2.5 to 3 months. Rescently I started to plateau so I am trying to figure out what it could be. Someone suggested to me that I may be working out too much (I have been working out every day except Sunday) Up until a few days ago I hadn't been using any supplements or shakes or anything like that. I finally got some shake mix and have been drinking that stuff (in water) with breakfast, in the afternoon and then right after my workout. I have also increased the weights in my routine to really push myself. I was doing 12 rep sets of 3 on just about everything. I am now trying to make a transition to anywhere from 6 to 10 rep sets of 3 on however much weight I can lift. Is this the correct strategy for bulking up? I am also consuming as much healthy protein and carbs as I can.

Thanks for the input.

 

[waynejohn]

I have been working out every day except Sunday

Too much is a misunderestimation. Two general rules, however, are (1) the more volume you do with your resistance workouts the more food, sleep and time off you need (2) the stronger you get, i.e. closer to your genetic potential, the more rest you would need to avoid over-training.

Is this the correct strategy for bulking up?

There are many correct strategies.
http://www.sosuave.net/forum/showpost.php?p=1689884&postcount=6
This thread is currently right below yours, and is titled "Question about gaining weight"


You're doing better than everyone else, you are going to the gym consistently. Don't worry about actually measuring how much you put on since hardly anyone can use calipers with accuracy and precision. Just observe in the mirror and check to see how well your clothes fit.