Not Gaining Weight?

[TheNewGuy]

I'm starting week 9 of my workout program (journal here ) and when I weighed myself this morning it was 110.5. I started the program at 110.5. So far I've managed to add 25-30lbs onto my bench and not gain a single pound. I'm obviously gaining muscle and muscle is heavier than fat, so why am I still the same weight?!

This is getting really frustrating.

 

[semag]

EAT MORE!!!

post a diet, i guarantee you're not eating enough.

 

[Warboss Alex]

Semag is absolutely right, your eating is most probably at fault.

However, from a quick skim over your past workouts I've a few comments.

1. No squats - yes I know you work out at home but you're limiting yourself without a power rack, and it's not just squat varations you can do in these, you can also do rack deadlifts, military press, etc. Consider buying one.

2. Your reps are low, 3-5 reps per set seems more of a strength-building routine to me rather than mass-gaining - your bench has gone up like you said (but let's not kid ourselves, 25lbs increase when starting out isn't much). If you were rest-pausing I'd say lower reps was okay but something is wrong here and I'd advise higher reps. 3x8-10 for each set while your poundages are still reasonably low, and don't increase the weight until you at least get 8 per set in reasonable form. (8 reps is just a guideline, but obviously 3-5 ain't helping)

3. You might have gained muscle but lost fat, hence not gaining much weight.

4. You were ill, this might account for some lost weight.

But first of all check out the eating mate. I can tell you already if you're not eating red meat and following a sensible pwo protocol you're already making two basic mistakes.

 

[TheNewGuy]

Originally posted by Warboss Alex
Semag is absolutely right, your eating is most probably at fault.

However, from a quick skim over your past workouts I've a few comments.

1. No squats - yes I know you work out at home but you're limiting yourself without a power rack, and it's not just squat varations you can do in these, you can also do rack deadlifts, military press, etc. Consider buying one.

2. Your reps are low, 3-5 reps per set seems more of a strength-building routine to me rather than mass-gaining - your bench has gone up like you said (but let's not kid ourselves, 25lbs increase when starting out isn't much). If you were rest-pausing I'd say lower reps was okay but something is wrong here and I'd advise higher reps. 3x8-10 for each set while your poundages are still reasonably low, and don't increase the weight until you at least get 8 per set in reasonable form. (8 reps is just a guideline, but obviously 3-5 ain't helping)

3. You might have gained muscle but lost fat, hence not gaining much weight.

4. You were ill, this might account for some lost weight.

But first of all check out the eating mate. I can tell you already if you're not eating red meat and following a sensible pwo protocol you're already making two basic mistakes.

I thought it would be my eating, but I figured if I was making gains I must've been getting enough protein/etc. A power rack would be like $250, that I don't have. I was considering joining a gym, but I would need to get a ride (i'm only 15). Plus it's $50 starting fee and $25 / month after that.

I'll start doing more reps, hopefully that will work.

Are there any good/easy to make things that I could eat? Should I buy protein powder?

 

[Warboss Alex]

25 dollars/month is a very good rate for a monthly membership.

Yes, buy protein powder but don't rely on it, buy beef if you've got spare money.

Strength gains can to an extent be your muscles becoming more efficient neurally, not necessarily getting bigger.. but big strength increases = big size increases. I promise, put 50lbs on your bench and you'll have a bigger chest.

As for what to eat, show me what you already eat.

 

[TheNewGuy]

Originally posted by Warboss Alex
25 dollars/month is a very good rate for a monthly membership.

Yes, buy protein powder but don't rely on it, buy beef if you've got spare money.

Strength gains can to an extent be your muscles becoming more efficient neurally, not necessarily getting bigger.. but big strength increases = big size increases. I promise, put 50lbs on your bench and you'll have a bigger chest.

As for what to eat, show me what you already eat.

$25 / month is expensive when your 15 and jobless

Is there a certain kind of powder you would recommend? When should I take it, how often?

I'll re-start my old FitDay journal, located here

 

[Smooth Player 056]

Im 6'1, junior in HS and 128 lbs.......I just started Creatine and Nitric Oxide

 

[WORKEROUTER]

Originally posted by Smooth Player 056
Im 6'1, junior in HS and 128 lbs.......I just started Creatine and Nitric Oxide

Despite what your small highschool buddies might tell you, get off of the creatine, and stop wasting money on nitric oxide.

You need to focus on perfecting your diet and training regime. At 6'1 and 128, it sounds like you have a far way to go before supplements (besides multivitamins) need concern you.

 

[WORKEROUTER]

Originally posted by TheNewGuy
I'm starting week 9 of my workout program (journal here ) and when I weighed myself this morning it was 110.5. I started the program at 110.5. So far I've managed to add 25-30lbs onto my bench and not gain a single pound. I'm obviously gaining muscle and muscle is heavier than fat, so why am I still the same weight?!

This is getting really frustrating.

Stop b*tching and start eating. That means AT LEAST SIX SMALL MEALS PER DAY.

And I don't mean cereal, either. I mean potatoes, rice, pasta, chicken breasts, steaks, oats, cottage cheese, milk, whey, and lots of fruits and veggies.

If you are not eating AT LEAST every 2-3 hours, no whining is allowed. And if you are eating every 2-3 hours, you won't have time to whine, anyway.

 

[Warboss Alex]

Re: Re: Not Gaining Weight?

Originally posted by WORKEROUTER
Stop b*tching and start eating. That means AT LEAST SIX SMALL MEALS PER DAY.

Why small meals? Go for six big 'uns!