I got much stronger, but it isn't showing. Why?

[Anonymous]

So I have been working out since last may, because I'm a senior now and I'm small for my age, only like 133 lbs. So I wanted to get stronger to get in shape and maybe do a sport. And it would help me talk to girls. And people say I'm good looking, so it would give me so much more confidence.

So I worked out and I improved dramatically. My bench press went up from 80lbs to 155lbs. I have noticed more lines for abs, and a bigger chest. I increased strength in my biceps and triceps too, and got more lines around my calf area. Yet I still look the same, and no one believes that I've been working out. I still look like an out-of-shape skinny guy who is lazy.

And I have been eating a lot and healthy, including lots of protein, fruits, veggies, lean meat, etc. And taking protein shakes. Its very frustrating. Why?

[Littletad]

The first thing you must conquer when you start lifting weights is patience. You must be patient and realize that body building and working out is never something that can happen in a few weeks. This is a long process that requires discipline, determination, and effort.

Here's what you can do. Start running, at least once every two days. This will help shed any body fat you might have. Start drinking protein shakes. You can buy a reasonably good one at wal mart for 12 bucks. Make sure your not lactose intolerant as it's pure whey (milk). Remember to eat a well balance meal before working out, or drinking a shake. After working out, you need to drink a protein shake or have a high protein meal immediately AFTER your working session, and not to exceed one hour.

You should start to gain lean muscle mass along with shedding body fat. You should see results within 2-3 months. Remember that this is a long process that is rewarding if you stick with it.

ps... One last thing, if you "cheat" on some days when your eating, that's okay. Just make sure you don't become obsessive and rely on sugar drinks and fatty foods. Please avoid them as much as possible.

[thegodfather]

Protien shakes won't help him.

and intensive cardio is the worst idea I've ever heard. lol

no offense, I'm a personal trainer.

[Littletad]

No offense, I know what I'm talking about. Intensive cardio is necessary work out for ALL body builders or those wishing to gain weight. I also did not make it a top priority, simply a simple running regime along with his workout plan. And again, no offense, a personal trainer at 18 isn't exactly filled with experience.

[WaitingAtTheDoor]

It depends on what other things you are eating. What are you putting in those shakes?

And what else is in your stack besides protein? And what kind of protein are you using?

And are you doing the same routine over and over, or are you changing your exercises around?

And are you changing your reps?

[Asker]

Im changing my exercises around, and I have milk with whey protein. I have some carbs.

[WaitingAtTheDoor]

Ok, but what's your stack look like? In case there's any confusion, "stack" is a reference to what supplements you're taking.

Check out Muscle & Body magazine's recent three month "makeover" they did with some guys around the country for a good diet program.

It follows a very strict protein-carb-fat structure, and pushes a lot of nutrients throughout the process.

[ivarei]

it's kind of normal for young guys to be a bit scrawny. I'll bet in a couple of years, all of this hard work is going to pay off and it's all going to show up on your body in the form of mad muscles. but at this point, you're still growing and while you are getting stronger, it's just not visible yet.

but you also have to keep genetics in mind, is your dad a small guy, is your grandfather small? do you have a petite mom?

[Asker]

My dad is short but not small, he has muscle. My mom is normal, but I'm already taller than my dad.

[thegodfather]

hahah skinny kid. :P (you're like me, don't worry)

I've been training skinny kids for years.

Start doing some heavy weight, multi-joint exercises.

No more, bicep curls, tri-cep kickbacks, and lat pull downs.

Start doing some squats, dead-lifts, bench press, and pullups.

If you need more info, send me a message, I'll email you a workout.

[Asker]

K ill send you a friend request and then you can message me a workout.

[leeroyjenkins]

Can I get in on this workout? It doesn't hurt to compare it to my current one...

[leeroyjenkins]

Don't sweat it, you have the same physique as I do, from the sound of it. Is your metabolism also pretty crazy, eat tons and don't gain any weight?

There's only so much you can do, after that you just have to be confident in yourself and what you do.