Skinny ectomorph wanting to bulk up!

Boneidle24seven
Boneidle24seven Posts: 4
in Introduce Yourself
Hi all,

I'm not exactly new around here as I have been using MFP for several months now.

This is the first time i have used the forum though. As the title says, I am a bit on the skinny side and have been trying and failing to bulk up. I know quite a bit about diet and exercise but find it really hard to gain weight and muscle. Having said that I think i am in much better shape than say 2 or 3 years ago.

Anyone else out there suffer the same problem or know the secret of gaining muscle/weight without just getting a gut. I am pretty close to having a six pack right now and don't want to risk losing it.

Other people have advised me to lift heavy. That is not really an option for me as I can't afford expensive gym memberships, plus I had a prolapsed disc in my lower back about 15 years ago. Don't get too much problem with it these days but don't want to risk damaging it more.

All my workouts are bodyweight stuff but I do have a 16kg kettlebell which I like to swing around regularly. Incidentally I am a big fan of the primal/paleo diet and fitness movement.

Anyone out there want to get in touch?

Replies

  • clarkeje1
    clarkeje1 Posts: 1,641 Member
    My boyfriend is in the same boat. He has been using the Rack and following the meal plan that comes with it. He also uses protein powder for shakes. He is making a lot of progress in terms of gaining weight, and building muscle especially in his arms/chest/shoulders. I will find out what protein powder he uses because he has spent a lot of time trying to find the best one. Here is more info on the rack
    http://www.rackworkout.com/
    He used to do bodyrock.com workouts and used to run but now he doesn't like to do a lot of cardio, mostly strength, but there is some cardio involved with the rack workouts. He has an account on here but doesn't log on much. I can tell him to get in touch with you if you want though.
  • Boneidle24seven
    Boneidle24seven Posts: 4
    Hey thanks for getting in touch. I would definitely be interested in knowing about your boyfriends diet. I also use protein powders, whey protein from myprotein.com.

    The Rack certainly looks a beast. I already do most of the exercises demonstrated in the video, but there are a few new ones there that look good. Not sure if it is available in the UK though.
    Building up my shoulders,chest and arms is exactly what I want to do, so if he wants to get in touch and pass on a few secrets that would be great, thanks :)
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    To be honest I think you're going to have a hard time gaining bulk using bodyweight exercises. Muscle growth is stimulated by a very specific training regime and a calorie surplus. You may make some initial gains but eventually you'll just be training for muscular endurance.

    That being said you can look into Convict Conditioning or You Are Your Own Gym.

    These two programs will add progression which will make bodyweight training more difficult and could indeed add a bit of hypertrophy but to be honest I think your best bet would be to lift weights.
  • ALittleBitLess1
    ALittleBitLess1 Posts: 119 Member
    have you seen this?
    http://skinnybulkup.com/how-to-design-a-bulking-diet/
  • Boneidle24seven
    Boneidle24seven Posts: 4
    Thanks for the advice people. I know the main way is to lift heavy, but the thought of knackering my back again terrifies me!

    skinnybulkup.com is interesting though. Loads of info that will take a while to get through.

    thanks :)

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