Introduce Yourself

Welcome to the forum Laughinpink, hopefully you can get all your questions answered here.
 
Yet your name seems very familiar,, for whatever reason

Hi all. The names Richard.  I'm 15, grade 10, 5"10, 151 pounds.  I thought I might as well join some kind of forum.  I'm pretty strong for my build...I guess, I can bench 145 max.  Overall i'm in proportion, no mucle in piticular that I need to build.  Just came here in search of imformation on how I can pack on some muscle, and to look for some training advice, becasue currently I am thinking of joining the cheerleading team.  So far i've found that it works pretty much everything, legs especially, which I found is good for promoting muscle growth.  For now it's once a week, by september It will be 3 times per week...I just want my body to be prepared for It.  I'll be lifting girls above my head for 30 seconds plus...Thanks in advance for anyone giving me advice

I'll be lifting girls above my head for 30 seconds plus...

heaven

welcome to db.com, you came to the right place

ORIGINAL: virtuoso
  I'll be lifting girls above my head for 30 seconds plus

Hey Everyone!
 
I'm 40 and have been keeping fit all my life.   I think my bf % is about 16% and I'm 5'6" 128 lbs.  I want to lose a few pounds, but more importantly, I need help with my skin.  My stomach is flat and strong - no problem there, BUT when I do a plank , my skin literally detaches from my body and hangs - like even in the center of my ribcage!!  I don't remember having this problem a couple of years ago....so that's making me wonder if this is a nutritional problem or just an aging thing.  I'm taking a mixture of 2 tbsp of omega 3 & 6/evening primrose/sesame oil, all of which I'm sure is helping my skin.  Of course your skin thins as you get older, and I've pretty much gathered that you have to replace the thinning skin with muscle.   And yet I see lots of 'plumper' women who's skin is quite thick and healthy looking. 
 
If you can offer any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.  I'm going to look like David Banner (Incredible Hulk) if I have to displace this skin that is separating from my abs....and of course, I'm Elastogirl!  Not the Incredible Hulk.!!! hehe...
 
Thanks a  bunch!!!!

ORIGINAL: Elastogirl

Hey Everyone!
 
I'm 40 and have been keeping fit all my life.   I think my bf % is about 16% and I'm 5'6" 128 lbs.  I want to lose a few pounds, but more importantly, I need help with my skin.  My stomach is flat and strong - no problem there, BUT when I do a plank , my skin literally detaches from my body and hangs - like even in the center of my ribcage!!  I don't remember having this problem a couple of years ago....so that's making me wonder if this is a nutritional problem or just an aging thing.  I'm taking a mixture of 2 tbsp of omega 3 & 6/evening primrose/sesame oil, all of which I'm sure is helping my skin.  Of course your skin thins as you get older, and I've pretty much gathered that you have to replace the thinning skin with muscle.   And yet I see lots of 'plumper' women who's skin is quite thick and healthy looking. 
 
If you can offer any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.  I'm going to look like David Banner (Incredible Hulk) if I have to displace this skin that is separating from my abs....and of course, I'm Elastogirl!  Not the Incredible Hulk.!!! hehe...
 
Thanks a  bunch!!!!

 
Hello. That could be loose skin.

"Do or do not. There is no try."
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ORIGINAL: Gun Ryo

ORIGINAL: virtuoso
  I'll be lifting girls above my head for 30 seconds plus

hey, im Traps :)

Hey,
Well, I didn't get any help guys! What the?  I had a fitness assessment last night, and my bmi is 19 (16% bf, 124.5lbs).  As far as my lose skin, the trainer could only suggest that I build lean muscle, and really, I think that slouching over this computer for a year (working from home on my diningroom chair!), has lead to some serious muscle loss.  
 
So, that's what I'll do....10-12 reps to fatigue, 3 sets, and cardio....any other suggestions are appreciated.
 
 

ORIGINAL: Elastogirl

Hey,
Well, I didn't get any help guys! What the?  I had a fitness assessment last night, and my bmi is 19 (16% bf, 124.5lbs).  As far as my lose skin, the trainer could only suggest that I build lean muscle, and really, I think that slouching over this computer for a year (working from home on my diningroom chair!), has lead to some serious muscle loss.  

So, that's what I'll do....10-12 reps to fatigue, 3 sets, and cardio....any other suggestions are appreciated.

 
For skin try this:
hot shower or steam room,  than to cold shower right away. After cold shower go back to steam room and then again back to cold shower. I heard it helps for skin tone. I'm not sure how long should you stay in steam room and cold water, but try it only with time you are more or less comfortable...

War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other's children.

Jimmy Carter

Whaddup everyone? Guess I'll start with some info on myself... Name's Paulo...

17 yrs old, bout 6'0"-6'1", weighing in at 170. Been working out for about 3 months, but only 1 month with knowledge. Put on about 15lbs since Day 1. Always been skinny, ripped, and athletic, but trying to gain some mass while keeping the body fat down... I think I got myself a nice workout plan and dieting plan after reading up around these boards. My numbers are still weaksauce, but they're improving no doubt. I'll see if I can get a few pics up sometime.

Hello everyone,  I just joined today.  I have been browsing this site for some time and find this site to be a great source of information.  I have been lefting since March of last year with a couple months off (busy with new house and just lost the drive).    My brother-law is also a member of this forum "ronnie_jackson".   I am 30yrs old live in Rockwall, Texas.  My goals with weight training is just to get bigger. 
 
 

Im 17 year old female from the UK currently a student doing A-Levels (Human Biology, Psychology and Physical Education) hope to go onto university to study Animal Behaviour or some sort of Zoology
 
I play netball and want to tone up and improve cardio (and obviously look good in the process, )
 
So any help would be greatly apriciated and I would like to help others but my knowledge is very limited compared to you guys/girls!
 
Hope to speak to you all in the future, x
 
P.S 3DAYS2GLORY- You are such an Inspiration, I was on your website and you're just amazing! Sounds a bit stalkerish, but don't worry Im not!

Hey.
Im a 19 year old college student.  I was a track runner in high school, and was about 120 lbs at 5'9 when I first came to college.  Since then, I have gained about 35 lbs, putting me around 155 lbs.  Getting bigger, but not quite big enough.  I have been lifting for about 4 months now, and have completely stopped all cardio.  My metabolism is fast enough that just lifting is enough to burn off anything.  Always considered myself a hardgainer, but in reality, I was only hardgaining because I was running too much (5-8 miles per day for awhile).  I tried running about a month ago and found it impossible at my current size, no big loss, my knees are ruined anyway ;).  Currently around 12-14% BF.  Im considering breaking my routine up, I do the same thing each day, 3 days a week (MWF) and I realize that that is probably NOT the way to do it.  Its worked so far, however.  Probably going to try the MAXOT routine.  I look larger and more toned that then average guy, but I dont look like a gym dude just yet.

Hi everybody... I am brand new to this, i just joined this forum like 2 minutes ago lol.  Anyways my name is Mario and i am 18 years old from Akron Ohio.  I have really got into weight lifting this last school year, and i have progressed alot.  At the beginning of this year in about Sept. i maxed out on bench at rougly 185 (can't remember exact).  I maxed out a month ago at 255 with no bench shirt.  I weigh around 170-175lbs and am 5'11" tall.  I don't have many pics of me, but i have one from about 3 months ago, but i don't look much different.
 
I joined this forum really to just learn how to get more defined and drop some body fat. I'd like to get around 5-7% bodyfat as i believe thats a safe level and definition really shines.  We have something at school you push on your arm and it tells you your body fat, it says i am at 20% right now but i'm not sure if thats accurate or not.  I always thought 20% was overweight, and i don't think i am overweight.  Today i just started taking PowerThin to help with some body fat loss. 
 
Anyways here is the one pics i have, hopefully i can get some more soon. 
 
 

Hey,

Im a newbie to the site, just began thinking about fitness and bodybuilding recently. I have lost 90 pounds in 6 months, looking to lose a further 20 pounds. I used to weigh in at 286 pounds and goal is 176 pounds so im nearly there. Currently weigh in at 198 pounds.

My goal is to start bodybuilding and become fit. I look forward to learning many things from this site and the members.

Hello,
I am 31 and just started working out again.
I was military and kept my body toned just by showing up for work.
Now that I am out of the military and work behind a computer all day I am getting FAT!!!
I am currently 5' 11'' and 190 lbs.
My goal is to stay the same weight but lower my body fat percentage.
My first goal is to go to the pool and take my shirt off.
My first problem I have with working out is my endurace isn't there.
I am not worried about my strength as much as my endurance right now.
I currenty am looking for advise on work out plans and diet help.
I am also going to need advise on supplements.
Last time I even bought a supplement I was in high school and that was just to gain weight for sports.
Any way I hope to see you all around.
 
Drew

Hey Drew, welcome to the board.  Sounds like lots of goals developing there and go for it !!!  Regards Jill

Need nothing.....
Desire everything.......
Choose what shows up............

This is my 20th or more times to start an exercise program in the last 20 years.  Never had to take it too serious could always eat what I want and had muscle without doing anything ... until I hit 38!!!! (I'm now 44)  I only weigh 115.5 am 5'7 but now I can't see muscle. (I quit drinking alcohol 4 months ago and lost 10 pounds too quickly)   Problem is I want to gain 10lbs back without it being fat. And of course stay consistant with my program.  Any suggestions?

Hello everyone, I'm WilPenny....  I'm 30 years young, and have 2 boys, 4-8, and engaged...  I am a pitcher for 2 softball team, one with a glove and one without a glove...  I am 5'11", 230 lbs...( just gained 30 lbs in the last 2 months), for my lifting enjoyment...  I have a Crossbow machine and some free weights that I will be using in my crusade to get ripped... I smoke about 15 ciggs a day, and just cut out the bad gung smoking 2 months ago also, ummmm, theres the weight gain,lol...  Seriously, it was quit easy, now the ciggs are next..  Anyways, I have a thyroid disorder, and take .1 gram of synthroid per day...  Also, my blood pressure is kinda high, maybe due to a sausage biscute everyday for the last 10 months, but have cut that out of the diet, finally...  So today, I start my work-out plan...  It's been a pleasure reading about eveyone, and hope much success to all... 
 
 Thanks for listening

Hey twistedlink, I know how it is.  I was 130ish at 5'9-5'10 when I started in february, now im 155.  Ive gained some body fat around the sides, which bothers me, oh well.  Im probably 14% bf.

Anyway, try taking whey powder and increasing your calories.  Furthermore, make sure you focus on freeweights (which you seem to be doing) and lift at 85% of your maximum.

Biggest thing for you to face, in my opinion, is your confidence.  When I started, I was the gym's resident twig.  I am now stronger than many there, and getting stronger every minute.  Don't view others as being physically superior, view them as having trained longer (and probably worse) than you, and furthermore, by using better training technique, you will surpass them.  Also, most people don't care about others at the gym, only about themselves.  So don't worry about looking tiny compared to some, focus more on your own training.  Ask the bigger guys for help with forming a routine or for spotting.

Name: Harry Hayfield
Location: Ceredigion, Wales

On August 31st 2005, I will be 31 years old. At the moment, there is only one way I can describe myself and that is "in a mess". True, I may not be a "binge drinker" (the only thing I drink is low calorie orange) and true, I may not smoke any cigarettes at all, but looking at this, does this look anything like the sort of body a 31 year old should have in 2005?



My humble opinion to the above answer is NO!

So I am therefore opening up to be a) ridiculed by those who often ridicule people who post useless pics (for which I answer that's what happens when you buy a cheapo webcam in the UK) and b) to be told in no uncertain terms how to turn that mass of flab above into something approaching this



before my 35th birthday in 2009. There are however a couple of caveats

a) I am a registered carer for my grandparents (both of whom are over 80) and one of who was disabled following a hip operation
b) I am scared witless of entering a gym in my present shape unless it's with someone I know very well indeed (ideally a 35 - 45 year old am bodybuilder willing to help me get in shape)
c) I don't do supplements, roids or any drugs in any shape or form
d) I don't eat meat or vegetables, but have been eating more whole grains in recent months than ever before

Current Stats:

Height: 6ft 0in (1.82m)
Weight: 207lbs (94.1kg) (was 215lbs 97.6kg at the start of April)
Waist: 41in (104 cm)
Hips: 42in (106 cm)
BMI: 28.41 ("Overweight")
Estimated Bodyfat: 26.28%

Meals:
Breakfast

2 slices of wholegrain toast (198 cals, 36.4g carbs (1.4g sugar), 2.2g fat (0.4g saturates), 8.6g protein, 0.36g salt (0.9g sodium))
1 slice of processed cheese (47 cals, 1.8g carbs (1.4g sugar), 3.8g fat (1.8g saturates), 2.2g protein, 0.5g salt (0.22g sodium))

Lunch

150g of pasta (536 cals, 110g carbs (5g sugar), 3g fat (0.8g saturates), 18g protein, Trace salt (Trace sodium))
50g Weight Watchers Low Fat Cheese Spread (56 cals, 1.7g carbs (0.6g sugar), 1.5g fat (1.1g saturates), 9.1g protein, unknown salt (0.6g sodium))
1 slice of prime cooked ham (12 cals, trace carbs (trace sugar), 0.4g fat (unknown saturates), 2.2g protein, unknown salt (unknown sodium))
2 slices of processed cheese (94 cals, 3.6g carbs (2.8g sugar), 7.6g fat (3.6g saturates), 4.4g protein, 1.0g salt (0.44g sodium))

Dinner

75g of Shredded Wheat (263 cals, 52g carbs (0.75g sugar), 2g fat (0.4g saturates), 8.9g protein, trace salt (trace sodium))
150ml of semi skimmed milk (74 cals, 7.5g carbs (7.5g sugar), 2.6g fat (1.5g saturates), 5.1g protein, trace salt (trace sodium))
1g of Slimmer Sweetener (4 cals, 1g carbs (no sugar), 0g fat (0g saturates), trace protein, trace salt (trace sodium)

Grand Totals

Calories: 1,284 (RMR: 2,047)
Carbs: 109g (436 cals = 34%)
Sugars: 19.5g
Fat: 23.1g (208 cals = 16%)
Protein: 58.5g (234 cals = 18%) (assuming that 1g protein = 4 cals)
Salt: 1.86g (Sodium: 2.16g)

Exercise Levels

Normally the only exercise I take is walking down to the bottom of our garden and back again (a distance of less than 250m once a day), but during any election campaign (which lasts 4 - 6 weeks) this figure climbs as high as 26 miles (on average about 2 miles a day with a one day rest). As an example at the last election (held in May 2005, I walked a grand total of 14 miles on 7 different occasions, and once clocked up 4.3 miles in just under 80 minutes (3.3 mph). I find it's easier to go for a walk when I am doing something (hence the reason I have applied to volunteer as a tour guide at a local historical house). As mentioned in my previous post, I am "wary" of entering a gym in my current condition, but have found a local bodybuilder (who lives 20 or so miles from me and is currently 13 weeks from contest) so am hoping to speak to him with a possible view of training with him.

Medical Condition

As far as I understand, I have no medical conditions preventing me from exercising and the like (at my most recent healthcheck in May 2005 my blood pressure was recorded at 140/80 (slightly elevated due to the clothes I was wearing) with a resting pulse of 84, but am afraid (and I mean that quite literally) that because I am overweight that every single prang or odd feeling I have might be a sign of something worse (for instance when I had indigestion in 1995 for two days in a row, I was sure it was a heart condition). Part of the reason I want to lose weight (and weigh in my ideal weight zone of 184 - 196 lbs) is to eliminate health concerns and then identify prangs as purely that.

Suggestions / Comments / Opinions as always gratefully received

Muscleman, I think that if you have the desire to get in shape, you will be able to do it.  You need to get over your fear of the gym and understand that most people don't care about others at the gym, but rather focus on themselves.  Its only the most insecure.  First off, you need to start doing some form of cardio, such as stationary biking, treadmill, stair climbers, or better yet, running outside,with a few days a week of lifting.  That way you will preserve what muscle you have under the fat, but at the same time lose the fat.
 
It is admirable that you were concerned about your diet before you started.  That is one of the first things you need to address.  You need to reduce your calories, which you did.  I would up the amount of protein in your diet, mainly to preserve your muscle mass when you try to lose the fat.  It seems like you have that well understood.
 
Good luck!

Hello! I am 20 years old, and I am getting back into lifting. I did a short stint in high school while I was growing, but decided I could use a few more weights. I am currently 5'9, (69 inches) and weigh in at 169.5lbs. 8.9% body fat, and I do A LOT of cardio. I dont run, but I play Racquetball. I play a lot of racquetball. I have an endomorphic body and I get stronger w/o increasing weight or size. I have my arms and back sculpted just the way I want, I am a drummer so my arms are incredibly chizzled and defined. I have no problems with my stomach, as you cant get better then an 8-pac, where my problem lies, (and I blame drumming), I cant bloody get my pectorals any larger! I started lifting in 11th grade at a weight of 135lbs MAX bench, and finished 6 months later with 265lbs. Yet my stature increased 0, quite literally. Same weight, same size, same everything. I currently work out 5 days a week, Monday - Friday. I am open to lift at anytime, but Monday - Friday it works well with work. I take no supplements, and I dont want to get into the same routine as when I was in high school I would really like to just increase my chest size and get some pecs. I've done some reading on exercises for my body type and they suggest that I do low reps at high weight. So I lift normally 45lb dumbells in the incline/decline and flat bench. It gets to the point where I cant bloody lift the bells AT ALL anymore and the next day, I feel nothing. No soreness, or stretching at all. It's frustrating. I make sure to switch off my lifting with Monday Pecs/Biceps Tuesday I do leg work, wednesday I do a little chest, mainly just stretch out and work forarms/triceps. Thursday I do more legs, and Friday again full workout with chest. I work my abs every day, not a lot, but enough to warm them up. I was mainly curious on how I can get my overall size increased by at least 20lbs, and get a bloody chest. Also, would like to know what supplements I could take to help achieve this. I was looking into Creatine/Protien/Taurine type of supplements, but am not sure. I currently get enough Vitamens, and have a healthy diet as I shop for myself. Any suggestions would really be appricated. Thanks guy, Joseph Schlegel, VeeShan~

I cant bloody get my pectorals any larger! I started lifting in 11th grade at a weight of 135lbs MAX bench, and finished 6 months later with 265lbs.....So I lift normally 45lb dumbells in the incline/decline and flat bench.

 
Im assuming that when you said you reached 265lbs that you are talking about bench. If that is the case, why are you only lifting 45lb dumbells for your incline/flat bench? I would imagine you would be lifting heavier with the dumbells.

ORIGINAL: Muscleman


d) I don't eat meat or vegetables, but have been eating more whole grains in recent months than ever before

I'm really concerned about your diet.  It's great that the grains you're eating now are whole grains.  But to get to your ideal, I think you're going to have to make a more dramatic change.  I have a friend who has started bodybuilding, and he was a vegan.  He has diminished his commitment to veganism down to vegetarianism, the main concessions being milk (which you seem get a good amount of) and lots of egg whites.  To see what a challenge it would be to get enough protein without meat or egg whites, and how many calories that would be.  Right now, you're getting, at best, a third of the protein you need maintain the lean body mass you have now.  (Protein shakes are not the answer--they should be used as a supplement, not a diet staple).

I would also encourage incoporating a lot of fruit and vegetables (more vegetables) in your diet.  Grains are not the greatest source for vitamins in general, and the ones you are getting are probably sprayed on to your cereal.  The great thing about vegetables (I'm not talking potatoes here; but rather, your brightly colored ones) and many fruits is that the nutritional and fiber bang for your calorie is much greater than grains in general. 

I didn't eat much fruit until I started paying attention to my diet, and I had to start with baby steps to get used to eating it.  You learn to like it (and vegetables, too--it's amazing what soy sauce and butter can do to cauliflower) after awhile, and then suddenly, you feel great and you realize your diet has a lot to do with it.  Maybe a way to get started is with the banana, which is a pretty high calorie fruit, but is really great for after a hard workout or run.  I always carry one with me to the gym and enjoy it as I'm walking out.

The other thing that helps in the fruits and vegetable department is eat organic if you can afford it/find it.  Not out of a social concious thing, but because in general, they taste *much* better (and some argue that their nutritional power is higher, but I don't know about that).

Anyway, my two cents from a recent newbie (who's done way too much reading and asked way too many questions of his personal trainer).

I wish I would have had your motivation when I was 31. . . . oh, well, what's 7 years later? :)

"If there's nothing else that's relevant, I'll be leaving now"

"Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground"

Lynx,
 
          When I started working out in High School, I finished with a MAX of 265. I am currently back to around 215 becuase I have not lifted. I can do the 65's on the bells, but I cant do them for 15 minutes straight, and thats my workout routine, so 45's I stick with becuase I can. :)

Hey everybody!

My name is Devin Fredericks, I'm seventeen and am currently home schooled. I am 6'1" at 152lb with 13% BF (according to our home scale). Anyway, I have been working out for just about five months. I really enjoy the time in the weight room and I love the results! I live in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada where it is just about time for hitting the beach!

My goal for this summer has been to have a full six pack. I workout four to five days a week. I do cardio on every workout day before and after my workout. I focus on my abdominals twice a week and each other major muscle group once a week. I try to keep my time in the weight room to an hour or so, if I’m doing abdominals that will take another twenty to twenty five minutes and usually fifteen to twenty minutes of running before and after the workout. I have been taking protein supplements twice daily on workout days and once on my off days. Other than that I try to eat when I’m hungry and as healthy as I can.
 
I came across this forum searching through google for workout routines and advice. Ocasionaly browsing through the forums I thought it was about time I introduced myself and became involved! I’m sure I’ll get to meet all the regulars here in time and I’d just like to say thanks for taking the time to participate in these type of forums!


Best Regards,


Devin Fredericks

Welcome, dcfmx!  You sound like a real gentlemen, and I know you're going to be a great asset to the group!

"If there's nothing else that's relevant, I'll be leaving now"

"Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground"

^what he said.