What gains are normal?

[Aussieblitz]

Hi all,

Im 27 yrs old,6'2 and weigh 204 lbs.
Have been training on n off( more off) for a while and have started the 24 mass workouts.
What gains can i expect on a cleanish bulk?
I mean, i have done nearly 20/24 woukouts and maybe put on 2 lbs..probably all in my gut too! lol
im taking 300 gms protein a day and maybe around 3000 cals.
each workout is quite intense and although strength gains are going up my size isnt.
When pumped, im much bigger than before i started the mass workout but no change in a relaxed state.
Is the normal around 2lbs per week?
Or does strengh gains come first then if i keep going,size follows??

i havent even toned, just gotten stronger...

Would love some help here, feel like giving up again...

help guys!!!!

[G o r t]

[ QUOTE ]
feel like giving up again...

[/ QUOTE ]


Nooooo!

You can do it! It takes time for many of us to get going. You have to find the right workouts, and build up to the point where you can handle enough weight and volume to really grow.

I recommend higher volume workouts at first. This allows you to learn the exercises and make a good connection with your muscles. Enjoy the feeling of working out and you won't quit.

A typical person will put on 10 - 25 pounds of muscle the first year. Gifted people can put on more. Don't expect this. Even 10 pounds can change your looks dramatically! The growth will come in spurts. You may not gain for a month and then wham! 3 pounds in a week!

If you have to lose some weight you can do that up front. Any real gains will be easier to see.

Keep at it, don't get injured, and keep us posted!

[Aussieblitz]

Thanks Gort..

Its not like im a newbie, ive been on and off for a while, just that sometimes people get results every week! even just a little! i guess i just want to make sure that what im doing will work and that i just need to keep sticking with it for the results, or do you give it a month or two, see nothing, realise its not right and change it??

Thanks again man...

[Charleh]

It could be that the workouts just aren't working for you, or that you aren't getting the best gains, but the most likely thing is just your self criticism - if you are getting stronger then you are making improvements!

Trust me, you will look at yourself in 6 months time and go 'hmmm I don't look a hell of a lot different...' - then dig up that old picture of yourself and you will notice all your gains.

You look at yourself in the mirror almost every day (me almost every time I see a mirror [img]/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]), you aren't going to notice much of a change, these things come gradually, don't give up, ever!

Bodybuilding is a lesson in getting to know yourself, it takes time to learn! This site is great for motivating you, as everyone here is passionate about their workouts!

[JLG]

Hi Aussieblitz,

I am 26, nearly 27, and have just started to really hit the workouts hard - I have figured I really need to start changing my lifestyle now, or it may never happen.

One of the things I was reading in one of the many amazing articles on this site (8 weeks to bigger calves I think) was the importance of taking (relatively) detailed measurements of yourself, as well as pre & post pictures.

I personally have gone for bicep, forearm, thigh, calf and chest measurement, and I will continue to record these on a weekly basis. Try doing the same, and over time, you should notice that actually, hey, my arms and chest are bigger than a few months ago. Rock solid proof your time hasn't been wasted.

Saying that, I hope the nightmare scenario (and me eating my words) doesn't occur when, 6 months down the line, my muscles are all exactly the same size, or even smaller (perish the thought) because I have shed a few spare layers of blubber).

Take care

[Aussieblitz]

Thanks guys,

Felling better already!
I think i should have written down my pre measurements, thanks whale!
So what sort of weight gain (hopefully muscle!!!) is normal per week/month?


Thanks heaps guys, you have made a difference to me already!
* wipes tear from eye* lol

[JLG]

Don't mention it,

you should just think yourself lucky you can probably also measure your waist too.

Have you ever tried to buy a tape measure long enough to get round a whales stomach? Not easy I can tell you, although they are easier to measure in the water than when beached.

[aust_italian]

if your not getting any gains then up your calories. workout harder and sleep longer even a 2-3 pounds a month are about right especially if your not taking supps.
are you taking supps? if so what are you taking?
post your diet aswell

[Aussieblitz]

How ya goin Aust,


Yeah mate, taking protein powder to make up my quest for the elusive 3oogms per day and a multi vitamin.

most days look like:-
muesli and protein powder
handfull nuts piece of fruit
protein shake
tuna salad
peice of fruit
protein shake
cereal bar
cup of oates
protein shake
main dinner (stir fry or pasta or steak n salad etc)
half cup cottage cgeese before bed
2 ltrs water per day

how are you progressing?
whats your workout n diet look like?

Thanks man,

[Awesome]

If you find yourself getting disappointed, get a serious (serious is important, not just a friend who'll be your friend and agree with you and go do something else) lifting partner. It'll help.