Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 383, Messages: 54581

Various general exercise related discussions. Find out what it takes to reach your fitness goals through daily effective exercise. With so many options we try to find out what works best.

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Pump up my strength?

Xphobicas
Xphobicas
Posts: 98
Joined: 2002/09/19
Canada
2003/01/09, 07:00 AM
I am 17 years old and i have been working out since the beginning of august.I have gained 12-15 pounds of muscle during that time but also probably took off at least a month of training from sick days and ijuries.I recently noticed my gains have kind of sputtered and thought maybe i needed a break so i took 10-12 days off and now i am back in the gym doing my thing.My problem is that during all this time at the gym,i have gotten bigger but i still consider my self weak.I weigh 133-135 lbs and am 5"9 but i can only curl 15 lbs dumbells 6 times.My question is if i do some strength training for a few weeks(2-3 reps/3 sets with 2-3 min. break each set)and i'm still a beginner with about 5 months experience will i still see some size gains as well as strength?I personally want to improve the size and strength of my biceps cuz unlike my triceps which are doing awesome they seem to be hard to grow.thanks for your help.
rev8ball
rev8ball
Posts: 3,081
Joined: 2001/12/27
United States
2003/01/09, 01:05 PM
it used to be, up until about the 80s, that pro-bodybuilders would cycle several powerlifting routines in their off season to put on additional mass. generally, when you train for functional strength, you gain some size as well. my advice would be:

1. make sure your diet is in order. are your calories high enough? is there sufficient protein intake to promote muscle growth? and forget about any of that low-carb/no-fat stuff. without the energy, you won't be able to lift. and are you getting enough rest?

2. lift like your life depended on it. like you said, short and heavy sets (4 reps/3 sets), but with flawless form. this is not an excuse to get sloppy! and each set should be sooooo intense that you will need that 2 minute rest just to be able to move again.

hope that helps........

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Michael
"Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!"