Bellchick91 Member

Sorry but is it too late for me to join? I am a recovering anorexic, 5kg left to gain and plan to gain it as muscle. Have increased my calories this week by 200 and I am TERRIFIED of gaining too much too fast but I know I NEED to. I would love some help, motivation and support for weight GAIN goals! I know some people here…

Thank you! Will do. Probably fill the surplus with carbs from fruit and some nuts or something. easiest way to do it. and just increase portion sizes. I eat the majority of my carbs at night time but work out in the morning time - this has never impacted my workout ability but its when I have the time to eat them! Anyone…

I DID reply to this thread saying THANK YOU but I don't think it posted!!! Thank you everyone - I will take all of it on board! 5x5 looks interesting!

Hypertrophy pyramid? What do you mean by this? Thanks! (I know what hypertrophy is just not the pyramid thing?)

Thanks for the input! Not interested in the so called fat burning ability (I stated above that I didnt believe it), was more interested in the performance enhancement claims. Thanks though! :)

Thank you all for the help! I've started to use the squat rack AS WELL as the smith machine - to get the feel for it, and smith machine to build strength. Also doing some mobility work to get lower. Thanks!!!

Thanks for everybody's help! I'll start to squat lower with lighter weights and eventually try the 10kg low! I'll also work on more rack squats - but for now, smith machine is for me! Thanks :)

Sorry yeah I did know that just typed it wrong. Sorry bout that. No I lift to failure now - or at least I have at least 3 sets of low rep high weighted moves. shoulders and chest really for those - they seriously fatigue fast. I get about 4 reps in at 10kg dumbells incline chest press - usually need my personal trainer to…

Thank you!

Just saying thank you for congratulating me. I never thought I would ever be able to do this - I love weight training! No more skinny miss!

Hey! Thanks, but I'm a bit confused about what you mean with 5X5? Do you mean light weights high reps for strength and low reps heavy weight for mass? I am also looking to build mass and already have :D

I'm actually a scientist and understand muscle hypertrophy very well but not with respect to core muscles which never really get "larger" - if you know what I mean? But thank you for the help! I'm a bit nervous to squat without the assistance of the smith machine at the moment - but Its my next goal. I lift free weights…

Thanks everyone. I have been increasing carbs before workouts and just a small bit after (to refuel muscle glycogen). And yes it does make sense that the body needs some quick energy for protein synthesis - it can get it from liver glycogen its just slower and will be less efficient (this is the scientist in me). I was…

Hey! Thank you. Im in the 2000 calorie range for maintenance. This was actually calculated through trial and error - i lose weight under 2000/day. I must be a lot more active than I thought! That is helpful actually, with the average calorie counts etc. I thought the yellows were 1/2 cup though??

Thanks :) I'll try that. It just feels a bit better knowing Im not alone in this - I need my carbs!! Thank you :)

What macro ratio worked for you, and how did you figure it out? I was trying 40/35/35 but too low carb!! Glad to know Im not the only one!

Hey again! Thanks for the tips - I'll take em on board! Leg raises for me are hardddd - but patience and I'll get there!

Hey! Thanks for the replies. Yes I do follow a full body routine, which includes ab workouts. By benefit is that I want to progress and feel them getting stronger but I feel I've hit a complete plateau and now my hip flexors are limiting my ROM. I do want to have strong, defined abs. Its one of my goals - along with a few…

Thank you bfitgirl I'll check those out! :)

Sam_I_Am77 thank you so much! I understand what you mean about activating now - do you know of any other "acitvating" exercises? I've my physio tomorrow and I've copied this entire thing into a word document to show her! You're all awesome. Im 24 by the way - still young and kickin. I do have osteopenia though, due to…

Hey! Okay so a HUGE thank you to both of you - this was so helpful. I have a physiotherapist who Ill be talking to about this about on saturday. I have a PT too, but I cant afford to see her as often as I would like. I will definitely take everything you both said into account - again, amazing advice. And you can tell you…

Its a good topic alright! Im increasing my back and glute exercises - simple ones. Bridges are a must. And bird-dog. Simple but work. Hopefully...they helped my mother! I've been adding weights to my squats and lunges lately so I think foam rolling will be my new best friend! Anyone else here have any tips/advice etc with…

IT band! I've seen that and I tried rolling it today - but i think im in the wrong place, maybe too much to the side...is there any signature "feeling"? (like you know when you've hit the piriformis, for example). How long would you recommend rolling there for? And how often? It could also be my hamstrings...ahh im broken!

Its so great to hear that Im not alone in this!! I think you could be right there about the quads compensating - makes sense. What do you do to strengthen them? I do squats and bridge raises for my glutes - have you any favourites that have helped you? What do you do to look after your back? (tip: watch your posture. if…

Yeah realising it now its contradictory! its just like cardio work but less boring cuz ya change it every 30 seconds or so ya no. I dont do the classes because the timetable doesnt suit my college schedule. im in my last year and seriously busy - the days i can make it there for a class its just yoga. Which I do enjoy but…

I love tofu scramble...how boring! you should try simmering some cooked lentils in tomato sauce/passata (fresh or canned), add some chopped chillis, 1 tsp each cumin, chilli, black pepper and a pinch of cinnamon and im tellin ya...its heaven! :) Thanks everyone!

Hehe I love all of your ideas! I just this minute made u a new routine, incorporating some dance for fun! No treadmill scheduled - thank god. Thanks for the tips!

I love to do workout videos on youtube to change things up. I live in Ireland so pleasant walks outside is rare due to weather! Roll on summer where we may have some dry days... I was considering getting a workout dvd like dancing or something for when I workout at home. Time is not my friend at the moment (final year in…

Hey Thanks for the help. I actually am lifting/using the heaviest weights I can manage. Im underweight and do not have sufficient strength, and due to other issues I also have osteoporosis so Im only to lift light weights for now. When I gain some more strength, my physio will advice that I increase weight. For now, it…

Thanks for everyone for your help!