Do genetics really play a part in size?

[Anonymous]

Because I am sick and tired of not being picked in basketball, getting picked on, not looking my age, not looking like I work out, and not making any gains. I am a freshman in college, and I only weigh like 142. When I do not work out for 2 days, my arms seem to get smaller and flabbier. I run and try to stay active, but when I take off 3 days I feel out of shape again. I have been patient, I have tried protein shakes, and its starting to get to me a little bit.

I can't stand when I see people who used to look like me completely change in a matter of months, and people who I see get stronger than me who were so much weaker before.

My diet is not bad, I eat veggies, fruits occasionally, and lean meats and peanut butter. I will have pizza like once a week. I have been working out for almost a year and a half now, and I have gotten a lot stronger, I am almost as strong as some big guys I see at the gym.

I did gain 15 pounds since then, but you can barely tell. I do intense abs that I feel tremendously when I am done, yet I still do not have a six pack without flexing. I will not quit, and I do go to the gym 4-5 days a week. I do legs as well, and I try and go all out.

I can't stand it when one day the weights feel heavier, and its like a circle that keeps going on. I am sick and tired of being awkward around girls, or feeling like a "kid".

I am wondering, is it just genetics? Should I go harder? What would be a specific body part workout schedule for me?

Please be honest, just tell me the truth. Thank you.

[Anna19]

Ya it depends on genetics. Some people gain muscle faster than others, and at your age there's not much you can do to change that. When kids start competetive sports at a very young age (9-12) they tend to be more muscular and massive later, and they tend get stronger faster. But it's questionable if its healthy for kids to work out that much at a young age (not even including weight lifting, which should be out of question anyways until you're at least 16/17) I don't know if it would work but you can try, swimming or rowing for a few years, it might have similar results. You'd be starting pretty late, so chances are you won't be really succesful but I'd try to do it at least six times a week.

Idk what kind workout you're doing, but I'm not a big fan of doing weight lifting more than 2 times a week. A because most people do it wrong, it can therefore do lifelong damages and B it's only weight lifting, it can have good results but not with doing that only. Seriously if you want build up size, chose a sport, that you think is fun and do it.It doesn't have to be Div 1 for the start. And do that sport like 4 times a week,2 times weight lifting and 1 run.It gonna have more effect on you're body and is probably gonna be more fun.a specific body part workout is not the way to go

And well you probably already that you'll have to change you're routing bout every 8 weeks and that every time you work out you're abs you're gonna need to work out your back too.And since somehow still under 18 chances are your body is still gonna change. I think mean have their physical peak at like 25/26

You're diet sounds good, but I really I don't get why people it peanut butter, sure thee're some benefits but you get the same with eating some cheese, which way more healthy and contains way less sugar.Eating junk food once a week is totally ok

[shadow666]

Ok,

well good on you, wanting to stay fit and healthy. Good for your heart and good for your body.

For starters, genetics play a very big part, I mean that determines your body structure. Try something new, don't just work out on the same level, because your body will get use to it, trick your body and go to the next level, say for instance in weights go higher. Don't work out on a six pack yet till you are happy with your body. People who pick on you are childish and stupid, ignore it because you know the truth, you do work out. When it comes to girls, it is understandable. They gym is just one option. Explore your options, BOOT CAMP (running with weights, swimming with weights, pushing tyres, play sport), loosing weight. maintaining weight, building muscles is not just about one option. Build your self esteem. LOOK in the mirror and say I cand do it. Set your heart and mind to it. Your diet OK. Try having something else then Pizza. Drink a lot of water. It is best to speak with a personal trainer, that knows best. Try and watch what you eat. People that pick on you, whilst exercising think of them and I bet it will make you work harder. Think, Be, Feel positive. YOU CAN DO IT

[ohcam]

EAT. can't stress that enough. Eat healthy. That will get you bigger. You still might need to shed fat if those abs aren't showing. Either that or they're just not there yet.

[Gregs]

you have to make the best of what you got, you may not gain size but I bet you can have a killer six pack, make your body the best YOUR body can be

[the_cheshire_cat]

Sorry to break it to you, it's all genetics.