Bodybuilding.net - Bodybuilding Forum

I really don't think you are going to make much progress (if any) doing what you're doing.

Here are some things I have learned about trying to get big/strong:

1) EAT BIG! This is absolutely essential. You have to have an excess of calories in order for your body to be able to create new mass. Keep your protein high since you are trying to help your body repair itself and it is composed mainly of protein.

2) TRAIN BIG! If you do #1 without without #2 you will probably only gain fat.... If you want to gain muscle then you have to train big as well. What I mean by train big is hit all the "big" lifts as heavy as you can. IE: Squats, Deads, Bench, Military (P.S. I am not much of a fan of "splits" for beginners ... or anyone besides the body building types.)

3) Recovery. I would recommend to you a 3x a week full body work out. You will make quick gains as a young guy and you could probably keep up with a full body routine for a year and get lots of out it. On your off days.... rest! You can do some light cardio but don't go crazy with it.

4) Sleep. It is very important to get good sleep every night.

5) Drinking/smoking/partying ... none of these things will help you in your journey to be big and strong. The more you can cut out, the better off you'll be.

6) Consistency. The more consistent you can make your life the easier it is to track your progress. Ex: If you have a meal plan that you follow religiously every day and you're still not gaining weight then guess what? It's time to increase your calories! The more variables you can rule out, the more you will realize what changes affect your training.

I hope these tips help. They are fairly general but if you have some questions I'll try to help.

IW

Thank you for this response. Since I am new, I figured a split would not be necessary. I think I will take your advice on coming up with a 3x a week full body workout routine. If anyone disagrees with this advice, please let me know because I plan to start next monday!

If I purchased two 60lbs dumbbells would that be enough to get me started on squats and dead lifts? I am aware that these exercises are key components to increasing size and becoming stronger (and I have yet to perform these). So would hand weights be sufficient enough to start me off for lets say...the next 6-8 months? Or will I need a bar and heavier weights before then?

My legs aren't very strong at all which is why I'm confident in being able to see large results with hand weights. Correct me if I'm wrong, please.

If you don't get above 120 lb lifts in 6 to 8 months, you are definitely not doing it right. I don't know what you can lift right now but you should be needing more than 120 lbs for squats and deadlifts within a month.

__________________
ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
Personal Training Services, Nutrition Consulting, Custom Workout Design, & More!

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Not knowing where you are from it's very hard to drawn any type of a conclusion as to what might be available to you in the area you live in but I wouldn't go spending too much money on equipment that you're likely to outgrow in a short period of time anyway. Weight lifting equipment can be pretty expensive and you're usually better off spending your money on a monthly membership to a local gym or even the YMCA. Don't be intimidated by the regulars who have been lifting for years. With a few exceptions most people are very nice and will gladly spot you or lend an ear when you need it.

As for your size. When I started I was also 6'2" and weighed in at a whopping 160 pounds. The size will come once you get on a routine that promotes growth and a diet that feeds your body correctly.

This is awesome advise and I would add to start using a high quality protein supplement. There are several mass building protein drinks on the market in all kinds of price ranges

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I'm going to have to agree and say unless you can afford a full power rack with olympic barbell set then don't even bother buying your own equipment.

IW