Advice from weight lifters? How to get bigger?

Question

I have been lifting weights 5 days a week for maybe 1 hour and 15 min consistently for about 6 months (since August of last year). I haven't dieted or taken any of that pre-workout supplements. I do see some changes but only minor changes in my physical appearance but have had changes in my actual muscles (if that makes sense). Is it the workout schedule I have? Do I need to take some of that pre-workout stuff? I know it takes time and requires patience but thats why I'm asking. I don't know if you need this but here is some info about me:

1. I am 16 years old
2. 5 ft 7 or 8 (not sure) 155 lbs
3. Not skinny but not fat (athleticish or average body) 
4. Don't diet but dont eat too little or too much. I eat a lot of meat
5. Around 6 months working out

AdamThomas · Accepted Answer

You probably need to eat more. Google bulking diets and find out how many calories you need roughly for your size.

As for training, what kinds of exercises are you doing? Are you following a routine? Since you're a beginner your training should all be compound lifts (squat, deadlift, bench press, dips, overhead press, barbell rows, upright rows, chins). These are the mass builders. You don't really need to isolate your muscles yet so cut out stuff like flyes, bicep curls, tricep pushdowns etc. You don't need them yet. Focus on quality, not quantity. Use what you need, cut out what you don't, less is more. Your workouts should take 45 minutes to an hour at most, after that your body will start to increase cortisol which is catabolic.

AmericanPoet · Accepted Answer

pre-workout is for energy. what I've discovered is that not everyone can get big without drugs. You will hear things like "lift heavy" blah blah... just keep it up it's not an overnight thing. Maybe shift to 5 sets of 5 reps for a little while. And get more rest and eat more protein.

CrazynKinky · Accepted Answer

Wait till you get older to start worrying about this. Your body is still growing. Also Cretin if you aren't listening to that

Genericokid · Answer

Your probably not eating enough, I don't really lift but I have friends that do and there always eating something every two hours! You say u eat a lot of meat but I would suggest eat more carbs because they will give you more energy and strength to lift more weight in the gym. And yea if you want to take a pre-work supplement you can, just don't use it everyday, try to only use it 1-2 a week so your body doesn't adapt to it that fast. I would say start with a mainstream pre-workout like C4 and see how you like it. Pre-workouts don't make you bigger or anything like that, all they do is give you a huge energy boost so u feel pumped up and can lift a little more weight and do 2-4 more reps.

WeaponZero · Answer

1. You won't grow unless you're in a calorie surplus. Track your calories and be sure you're eating more than your TDEE.

2. You need to be following a linear progression based hypertrophy program. Look up Kris Gethin's 12 week program on bodybuilding. com. Upon completing it switch over to Jim Stoppani's Shortcut to Size.

You need to be following an actual program. If you're making it up as you go along you will fail. Look up reputable programs like these.

Anonymous · Answer

I started lifting weights my freshman year of highschool when I started playing football. We done a lot of circuit training so I didn't get big but I got cut up and in shape After I graduated I bought a workout program called Body Beast and its great. It's a body building routine and it helped me gain muscle. I went from 175 to 205. You can do the workouts at home or at the gym. You just need a weight bench, pull up bar and Dumbbells. It comes with an eating guide that tells you what foods to eat and supplements to take. I think you can buy it now for like $50. It cost me $120 when I bought it. Look it up.

OrdinaryGentleman · Answer

Yeah, try the 5X5 program instead. or Include more vege and carbs.

truthhammer · Answer

you're fine. also calorie in, calorie out. just get older it gets easier to gain muscle as your metabolism slowsect

ConsultantIsBack · Answer

Check out bodybuilding. com, read all the articles PM me with specifics questions if u want good luck!

takumii · Answer

His smexy mofo can help you @consultantisback

WombRaider · Answer

You're far too young to start lifting.

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