Quote from: Erik Ezrin on May 16, 2013, 07:40:38 AM
I am actually stronger than I look, but I would rather LOOK strong than be it, if that makes sense, because I want the muscles not to throw cars around like superman 
but to look more manly.
I have to research a lot though, as I'm noticing there's a lot more into working out than just picking up something heavy and lifting it until your arms hurt, lol.
Haha, I want muscles for the same reason. I've always been scrawny as anything but able to lift most things. ._. I used to carry the 100lb bags of rice at the Chinese restaurant I worked at (which, btw, feels a LOT heavier than a 100lb person), and always threw 50lb bags of dog food over my shoulder at 12 years old like it was nothing (I guess growing up in the country helped my muscles, haha). I'm at my heaviest weight right now, with a good bit of feminine fat and even more muscle tone, and I'm still only 120lbs (I've got VERY compact muscles). I'm usually the person people call on when they need help lifting. Therefore, anything past this point is just for looks.
I know Jack mentioned going as hard as possible for 2-3 reps, and quitting, and I haven't tried that yet to see how well it works (I trust him, I just haven't tried it yet). Somehow my muscles are STILL sore from a few days ago. Guess I got a good workout in regardless.
-Personally, when I workout, I try to go as heavy as possible for 3 sets of 4-8, with a good few minutes of rest between sets. If you chose to follow this method, start out with reps of 4, then build up to one more rep each time before upping the weights (I've found this helps a lot in preventing pulled muscles). Sometimes you may only be able to do 2 sets, and that's perfectly fine. Also, give yourself 1-2 days of rest after a workout before getting another one in, that way your muscles can heal. That actually helps build muscle faster, otherwise you're just wearing down your body.
-I've also found that protein shakes work better
after a workout. Yeah, you can take them before, but sometimes it may not settle in your stomach properly, and that'll affect your workout (I've been so close to vomiting during a workout because of this before). Whey protein is my go-to, and you can also supplement with creatine to help push your body through workouts better (it's like temporary steroids that your body naturally creates). Just makes sure with creatine: drink A LOT of extra water. This is why I don't take it anymore. I don't get thirsty, so it's not safe for me to take it unless I'm sure I'm going to be able to force myself to drink enough.
-I think MSM powder should help a good deal in building muscle and recovery, but I doubt others ever take it. But this may be why my muscle has been building much faster lately, as MSM is used to build and rebuild cells in the body. It will also increase body hair growth (yay!), BUT, beware, because it also increases the chances of other supplements giving you acne (such as T).
-Also, if you really wanna get fit fast, what I do is alternate gym days between arm and leg/butt/ab/back days (abs and back are on my butt days simply because one of the ab and back workouts I do also work the top butt muscles). That way you can get to the gym everyday and build your body all at once, while giving your muscles time to rest (although I'd say a good day or two off altogether throughout the week is best to optimize recovery).
-You also have to decide if you want to cut or bulk first. I'm currently working on both, but this isn't generally recommended, and is usually harder to achieve. If you can't do it right, you'll hinder results in both. Either way, up your protein intake whenever possible. Tuna is a GREAT source of protein (especially on whole wheat), so I make it a point to have cans lying around the house for a protein-packed lunch. Nuts are also a great source of protein if you enjoy snacking on them. Oh, and I drink Carnation Breakfast Essentials every morning. It's basically a multivitamin as well as a protein drink. Helps me make sure I'm getting optimal amounts of protein in my body each day, and they're also fairly cheap, especially at a wholesale club or when they're on sale. I've only ever tried the regular ones, but I'm going to switch to the sugar-free ones and see if I can stand the taste, because I want my sugar intake to be at an absolute minimum. Sugar will hinder natural T production.
I figure you're going to do your own research regardless, but I wanted to pass on some tips I've learned along the way. It took a LOT of months of research to learn what I know, and I'm still far from knowing much at all.
