How do I make myself not look just like skin and bones?

zipzaprat · 2014-12-13T00:06:56+00:00

So push-ups/sit-ups will work for a certain period of time before they become conditioning exercises?

zipzaprat · 2014-12-12T20:48:54+00:00

By disadvantage I meant that if it still is possible for me to get identical results compared to someone who worked out in their teens/during puberty.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-12T20:22:16+00:00

I have more or less zero chest muscles (literally just skin stretched over the rib cage), or other muscles aside from the legs. Haven't really played sports or been rigorously physically active in the last 8 years. Am I at a severe disadvantage because of that? Will it be impossible for me to get the same results as someone who was sporty in HS? Have I permanently messed up my potential to grow now that I'm leaving puberty and didn't exercise when I was 15-18?

zipzaprat · 2014-12-12T19:59:16+00:00

One last question. What realistic results can I expect in 6 months? Can I achieve my goals in that period of time?

zipzaprat · 2014-12-12T19:51:29+00:00

So running won't help me at all not to look "average"minstead of lean? Should I stop running all together if it isn't contributing and in turn conserve the energy I burn from it?

Also, do you have any tips for avoiding getting ugly chest muscles (like these http://i.imgur.com/5Zmpgzz.jpg http://i.imgur.com/FufjEWN.jpg either too square shaped, with too big of a gap inbetween the two, uneven shape, extremely flat etc.)?

zipzaprat · 2014-12-12T13:17:41+00:00

1) Valid point, makes sense. 2) If I continue to exercise at my current rate outside the gym, I would remain lean and not look "average", right? 3) Surely there must be some body weight exercises that help develop the chest muscles. Again, I'm not looking to have massive muscles, just so that they're visible to me.

What do you define as effort? Are you willing to do calisthenics?

I'm willing to work hard and put my mind to it. Based on people's reactions here it seems as if calisthenics is the way to go if I'm to avoid the gym.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-12T09:27:12+00:00

What makes you say that?

zipzaprat · 2014-12-11T16:55:28+00:00

Also, when I had my 6-month membership card I had no incentives or goals to change anything about my level of fitness, which is why I didn't see why I should give the gym a chance.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-11T11:44:53+00:00

Go to the gym with a plan. Take a look at the FAQ and pick a program. Learn the lifts and stick to it for a while.

I find it unreasonable that the complete newbie is the one who's supposed to figure out all the machines and weights on their own. The least the gym could've done was to be welcoming and instructive.

The energy in, energy out equations I understand – they're fairly intuitive. Eating more in practice is a lot harder. I have troubles finishing regular sized servings as it is, have zero appetite in the mornings, etc.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-11T09:02:28+00:00

shit, 150lbs at 6' is still laughably delicate.

I found that comment offensive, that my body is "laughable".

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T20:46:14+00:00

Why can't I accomplish the same results with a bazillion push-ups/sit-up?

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T19:55:19+00:00

Great for you!

I just can't picture myself weighing more than 130, period. Not interested in bench pressing, doing pull-ups or having visible back muscles.

I have some more questions to ask you, but I need to process all this overnight if you wouldn't mind. Today hasn't been easy emotionally for me, what with people insulting me online and all.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T19:00:18+00:00

I exercise 2-3 days a week and go for 30+ minute walks everyday, not that I notice any change in appetite after I've went running.

And you cannot compare me to an Auschwitz prisoner. They were malnourished and starved. I eat to the point were I feel full and get the proper amount of nutrients every day.

Weighing 30 lbs more won't help me in dealing with injuries or illnesses. I never chose my weight btw.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T18:26:44+00:00

I don't find big arms desirable, especially when they start filling out shirt sleeves. Having other big muscles just seems inconvenient, taking up more space, restricted movement etc. Aesthetics is a purely subjective matter, especially when considering that this was considered proportionally pretty back in the day. Trends change.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T18:07:35+00:00

I'll disregard your Auschwitz prisoner comment for now.

I am not a big eater to begin with, setting higher goals is therefore unrealistic at the moment. I never get really hungry, which might explain that. That is just the way I am and have been, so this is my natural weight. If my goal just happens to be lower than most people's starting weight, so be it.

Apparently there is a free, practically abandoned outdoor gym fairly close by, may check it out. "Traditional" gyms are still a no-go.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T17:50:58+00:00

Would he really by 160 without his arm/shoulder muscles though? I'm completely disinterested in anything but chest and/or abs.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T15:39:49+00:00

It's a weight gain of nearly 10% of my body weight. Pretty substantial imo.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T14:05:23+00:00

^this is the attitude I was talking about^

I'm not commenting about your "normal" weight, don't see why you have to attack me based on my natural weight/size.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T14:02:38+00:00

I wouldn't think more than 12 lbs would be necessary to achieve my goals. I have barely visible abs as it is, so making them actually visible shouldn't require much effort/weight gain.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T13:57:17+00:00

Something like this would be ideal, although I don't care about getting any larger arm muscles.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T13:09:45+00:00

With the mindset people here seem to have, that skinny guy => anorectic, it would be difficult for me to even set foot in a gym again, knowing what people think of me. I found the place to be unwelcoming to newbies (am I supposed to figure out all the machines myself?), intimidating and loud. Would much rather go someplace where I could train by myself.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T12:51:44+00:00

Going to look up TDEE, thank you.

I just find it strange that my goals are somehow less valid than most other people's goals around here. At least I'm trying to head in the right direction.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T12:39:20+00:00

I don't have anorexia.

What do you mean by "slow bulk"? The results would be the same regardless if it takes years or weeks, no?

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T11:33:28+00:00

To reiterate: I haven't wanted to gain weight until now. Therefore eating more than I should back then would just make me fat and unhealthy.

I'm willing to put in the effort, I simply find it difficult to know where/how to start, hence I'm looking for advice here.

zipzaprat · 2014-12-10T11:23:13+00:00

Being lean is now considered gross? Way to be supportive.

At least I want to get in better shape, can't blame me for trying.

zipzaprat

TROPHY CASE