Real newbie...

[Mcpowley]

Hey guys, i'm brand new to basically everything related with physical activity. I'm about 5'10, 148 lbs...pretty darn skinny. Anyway, my friend and I have decided to make an effort and go to the gym, and follow a structured meal plan. Last year, I was a freshman and was pretty much forced to deal with dorm food, since I had already paid for it. But now I live in a apartment and have money to buy things. We're planning on going to the gym about 4-5 times a week. I was just curious as to what supplements you guys would recommend taking. I currently can't take multivitamins because I can't take vitamin A due to a medication i'm currently taking. But i'm planning to head over to GNC tomorrow and get some whey, dextrose/maltodextrin), and some creatine. I'm also gonna try to figure out how i'm going to seperate my meals into multiple smaller meals. Is there any other supplements you'd recommend or any tips you'd give someone who is looking to bulk up a bit? It just sucks to have such skinny arms, no chest and yeah. Hopefully with hard work and dedication, by next year I can make some progress. Also, when do I take these supplements, pre workout for whey shakes, pre workout for creatine and post, dextrose/maltodextrin for post? Any help appreciated.

Thanks much!

[ryancostill]

Before you worry about supplements you need to get your diet in order. This is most important.

Since you are skinny you obviously need to bulk! Read this meal plan to give you an idea of what is required:

http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/customizable_bulking_diet.php

With reference to supplementation one key area is post workout supplementation. Appropriate postworkout supplementation will optimise your gains.

Read this:
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/windowofopportunity.php

[littleamazon]

Now, more reading after you are done with Ryan's suggestions:

Welcome to ABC!!!

To take your training to a new level, do the following readings:

Post Workout nutrition- what could break you or make you as a bodybuilder:
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/windowofopportunity.php

How to do a search when you have a question on a topic (do first before posting):
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=942492&an=0&page=0#942492

To know the rules that you must follow as a member on the boards:
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=643537&an=rules&page=0#643537

How to assess yourself as a bodybuilder:
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/magazine/howtoanalysizeyourself2.htm

How to determine body composition:
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/ultimatebodyfattestingguide.php

If you are cutting *reducing fat while keeping muscle*
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/13weekstohardcorefatburningdiet.php

If you are bulking *building muscle while limiting fat increase*
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/customizable_bulking_diet.php

Anti-oxidants:
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/freeradicals.php
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/efa.php

Bodybuilder’s Grocery List: http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=854196&an=0&page=0#854196

Hardcore Training Guide: FAQ’s, workout splits, shocks, etc:
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/forum/showflat.php?Number=725066

There are workouts for each diet listed in the articles.
Also, check our latest issue of JHR!: http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/jhr.php

Glad to have you on board!

Amazon

[Mcpowley]

Ah, sorry to bother you again, but I have another question. Obviously you got the gist of my post, that I am, realllly weak. With barbells, I can only raise them about 2 sets of 10 reps(think that is right) of just barbell curls before I feel fatigue. Should I continue using 15 lb weights or drop down to 10 lb weights and just use lower weights in general to build some strength up? Or contine on?

[GrandRoyal]

If i were you i would drop your weight so you can get your reps. Right now you need to condition your muscles to getting used to lifting, so you dont fatigue as fast. Your muscles are simply not used to doing the reps so its not that you cant lift that much, its just that your tired. Drop your weight so you can get your repitition goal. Once you can do it, raise your weight back up.

[Wei]

I started out weights not too long ago too, I found that when beginning it helped to gradually add weight and work up the reps, don't worry if you can't crank out as many with higher weight

[War5475]

Ok just to reinterate. Its all about Diet so basically read all the stuff they said and realize your real gains are going to come from your diet. Both in strength, mass, and Looks.

But the other thing is. Yes you need to go down in weight If you cant do the weight in the range you need drop your weight. because if you dont all of that effort will go to waist and youll just burn yourself out as well as get very frustrated. and if anyone laughes at you just think about what their gonna say in like 6 months to a year when you look good doing a heavyier weight than them. And all they can do is comment on how far youve come not mentioning the fact that youve passed them. cause people that focus on how much weight other people are lifting arnt exercising thier muscles thier at the gym to exercise their ego.

May God bless you with massive gains!

[Anthony Lapham]

Use higher weights ...
Using lower weights will increase cardio more than strengh or mass...
Just Spread the lifting over a longer period of time...
You wouldnt really build much strengh with lower weights...
AND welcome to ABC!
This maybe handy... http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/windowofopportunity.php