Almost 4 month Bulk Need help

Im still having low self esteem issues about my body can you please give me advice what I can do to feel better I never wear a t shirt cuz my gyno boobs show and my stretch marks show everywhere on my biceps and more what can I do to better my body I still dont even feel comfortable swimming. Even when I go to the barber shop people stare down my arms because I have stretch marks all over my biceps when wearing a tshirt this really bothers me what should I do. And I have a before and after if your wondering how my body got like this in the first place.0hrk8knseahb.jpg
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Replies

  • VintageFeline
    VintageFeline Posts: 6,771 Member
    Wow, you've done an amazing job so far!

    The stretch marks are what they are, they will fade and lessen over time. I've had most of mine since I was a young teen due to puberty hitting just as I stopped elite sport. They're not really noticeable now and getting less so as I lose too. But you know, they're your battle scars, learn to at least accept them is the best option (I'm aware that's easier said than done) but look at where you are compared to how you got them. That's amazing!
  • vespiquenn
    vespiquenn Posts: 1,455 Member
    edited June 2016
    You have made wonderful progress!

    The old saying goes, bulk until you hate yourself, cut until you are sick of being weak. If you think it's time to start cutting, just start. Sometimes it's better mentally to cut a bulk short than to continue on. Plus 4 months is a decent bulk phase.

    In regards to stretch marks, I think it may be a bit in your head that folks are staring. Most people people don't care, and if they do, they need a hobby. But the marks will eventually fade, just give it time and patience. In the mean time, celebrate in all that you have accomplished so far.
  • SlimReggieBack
    SlimReggieBack Posts: 121 Member
    Thanks and I had the stretch marks for over 8 year now they havent really tried fading much I might get laser treatment then put tattoos over them probably chest surgery as well.
  • Fluffy2Fit2Shredded
    Fluffy2Fit2Shredded Posts: 40 Member
    Lift and lift heavy. Lift until you can only seriously do 8 and you're shaking then push for the extra 2. Do your 3 sets of that weight. Hit each muscle group from every angle. Learn weight exercises on bench, decline, incline, overhead, butterfly, butterfly decline. Learn them all and progressively add weight week to week or every other week. Increase frequency of lifting from maybe 1x a week per muscle group to 3x a week and make sure each time it's intense. Think like this. Lifting your chest n back or arms or legs once a week for each will only give u 52x a year. Lifting each 3x a week will net you 156x a year. That's what I've been doing and I've seen significant Gainz. The other thing is in the beginning you be sore Constantly, but get your protein in order (1g per pound), drink lots of water (at least a gallon a day), at least 6hrs sleep daily, and watch your Gainz!! Your chest will fill out. Remember, hit your chest from every angle and don't forget the rest of your body, I group it like this: chest/back day, arms day, legs day...then repeat, I changed from regular cardio to HIIT cardio every other day and I hit abs every other day with same intensity since they're smaller muscles and will normally heal faster. Just keep nutrition on point. Look into HYPERTROPHY on YouTube. I promise you'll see shape taking form to your chest. The stretch marks will always be there, I've got them but they're a badge of honor and as you start to gain more muscle your skin will stretch back around your muscle making them almost unnoticeable. Btw I was 235lbs, 35% body fat half a year ago, so I went through this issue. Only other problem I noticed a few months in was loose skin around lower belly, I've been combating that with even more water, and hitting that HIIT harder and building abs more. Keep at it.