Advice on Progress so Far

JackFrost213

So I've been working out for a little over 2 months now and based on these photos I can say that I've gained a bit of weight, which is good, and my arms have definitely bulked up. But based on these photos, can any fitness experts let me know if I am working all the muscles properly based on the changes? I have been working out this whole time every other day for about 40 minutes and I've been definitely eating more too. Please let me know if you have advice or suggestions. Thanks!

JackFrost213

Edit: I could edit the previous thing. Sorry I'm new

Gymladmatt

Well done you have definitely got bigger. Keep going!

cupcakesandproteinshakes

No one can tell you that based on pictures. What programme are you following?

JackFrost213

I'm currently using dumbells and doing different exercises with them. I usually stretch for about 7 minutes and then do 3 sets of curls and i try to increase the amount i do per set over time. I do squats with the dumbells and then I do some wrist and forearm exercises. Pretty much 3 sets of everything. I do some sit ups and push ups. I try to balance my core while walking with the weights for a bit on one side. I also do some shoulder exercises by lying on my back and raising the dumbells. Im pretty new to it but I've been doing this for 45 minutes every other day for the past 2 and a half months. Oh and I lift the weights behind my head to work my triceps.

cupcakesandproteinshakes

JackFrost213 wrote: »

I'm currently using dumbells and doing different exercises with them. I usually stretch for about 7 minutes and then do 3 sets of curls and i try to increase the amount i do per set over time. I do squats with the dumbells and then I do some wrist and forearm exercises. Pretty much 3 sets of everything. I do some sit ups and push ups. I try to balance my core while walking with the weights for a bit on one side. I also do some shoulder exercises by lying on my back and raising the dumbells. Im pretty new to it but I've been doing this for 45 minutes every other day for the past 2 and a half months. Oh and I lift the weights behind my head to work my triceps.

It’s best to follow an established programme as you are a novice.

Please can someone link the thread on lifting programmes.

mmapags

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

Here you go. I agree that you need to be following a proven program. A couple things jumped out at me from your description of your program.
First, static stretching has been shown to be counter productive based on recent research. Better to do dynamic stretching using the exercise you are going to do with lighter weight.

Second, you are doing curls and forearm and wrist exercises as part of your program. Pretty useless for gaining mass and are really considered auxiliary lifts. To gain mass your focus wants to be on the big muscles, quads, hamstrings, glutes, pecs, back muscles and shoulders. Fine to do curls as accessory. Unless you are training for a specific purpose, wrist exercises are unnecessary.

Designing programs requires knowledge of physiology and kinesiology. Most of us neither have the knowledge or experience to do that. You certainly don't and that shows in your program.

Go through the programs from the above link and find one that utilizes body weight exercises and dumbells and do that for now. And make sure you eat enough calories and protein. And be patient. It takes time.

In your photos, it is evident that you gained some mass. As a young newbie, you can pretty much do anything at this stage and gain some mass if you are eating enough but that doesn't make it optimal.

mickstar_2003

Well done mate on your progress. Get yourself a proper programme and work your whole body. Id advice doing a fullbody workout every other day, consisting of compound movements such as squat , chest press, pull up, shoulder press, rows etc and do a bit of arms at the end. To make better progress you need to prioritise these movements over curls and tricep extentions.

age_is_just_a_number

I like the articles written by Mike Matthews at Legion Athletics.
Warning: Legion Athletics is a supplement company. I have never purchased their supplements and do not advocate supplement use.
Legion Athletics also has some great articles. If you don’t want to search for and read the various articles, then you could buy Mike’s book- bigger leaner stronger. I have the woman’s version. In a nutshell, it is all the articles organized into a book.

These are the first articles I suggest fir you:

https://legionathletics.com/skinny-fat/ - Why People Are Skinny Fat (and How to Fix It)

https://legionathletics.com/strength-training-plan/ — The 12 Best Science-Based Strength Training Programs for Gaining Muscle and Strength

On the legion athletics site select menu, then resources and then either tool, blog, guides.
I’ve tried his app, but didn’t like it.

You will need to look at what and when you are eating to build muscle.

Good luck!