I've hit a flat-spot!

[blue131]

Hi. I'm currently experiencing a bit of 'over-train' fatigue, so this will definitely be shaping my attitude as well, but as I'm a beginner (been seriously training since january) I would love if someone could answer my questions. Firstly, I read lots of posts on this site and I want to know, is it necessary to take supplements other than protein powder when you are trying to build muscle? I'm currently eating protein as much as possible, plus anything else I can get my hands on as I'm naturally slim (a curse when trying to bulk up). Secondly, I'm working my bum off at the gym four times a week. How long before I can look in the mirror and think to myself, 'shit, this is working'?

I know this will sound banal to lots of you, and that's why I can't ask my trainer at the gym. Cheers

[AgentOrange]

Hi. I'm currently experiencing a bit of 'over-train' fatigue, so this will definitely be shaping my attitude as well, but as I'm a beginner (been seriously training since january) I would love if someone could answer my questions. Firstly, I read lots of posts on this site and I want to know, is it necessary to take supplements other than protein powder when you are trying to build muscle? I'm currently eating protein as much as possible, plus anything else I can get my hands on as I'm naturally slim (a curse when trying to bulk up). Secondly, I'm working my bum off at the gym four times a week. How long before I can look in the mirror and think to myself, 'shit, this is working'?

I know this will sound banal to lots of you, and that's why I can't ask my trainer at the gym. Cheers

I take a photo every 3 to 4 weeks so i can gauge progress otherwise it can be hard to see results as they ARE happen, its just hard to notice whn you look in the mirror regularly... give that a go and if you still cant notice a diff your doing something wrong.. maybe diet and workout need to be addressed

[Small]

blue 131 post your diet and workout routine

[biomax]

blue 131 post your diet and workout routine

:ditto: The answer will most likely be found there.

If your not gaining weight it's 90% of the time a matter of not eating enough or some flaw in your the training e.g. overtraining.

But post your info and you will have plenty of answers in no time :grin:

[teamfatboy]

Yep, the answers are probably in your diet and routine....

In terms of detecting progress, if you can find a friend to help you take 'girths' - biceps, thigh, chest, hip, waist measurements, often they'll tell you more than a picture will.

Also, if you can't discuss things like this with your trainer - whom you're paying for advice and support, is that person the right trainer for you?

A good trainer, particularly one who's familiar with training bodybuilders, is worth their weight, but a trainer who's better at training runners or cyclists maybe won't appreciate your objectives.

[Sheta]

Yep, the answers are probably in your diet and routine....

In terms of detecting progress, if you can find a friend to help you take 'girths' - biceps, thigh, chest, hip, waist measurements, often they'll tell you more than a picture will.

Also, if you can't discuss things like this with your trainer - whom you're paying for advice and support, is that person the right trainer for you?

A good trainer, particularly one who's familiar with training bodybuilders, is worth their weight, but a trainer who's better at training runners or cyclists maybe won't appreciate your objectives.

I totally agree! Im also a 'hard-gainer' and sometimes it can take a while to see the results. I get my skinfolds and girth measures done every 2 weeks pre-comp to check progress, as well as photos every 2-3 weeks.

Whats your body type? Make sure you are working within the right threshold for 'you', as what works for one person may not neccessarily work for you.

Other supps...I store will sell you everything under the sun! Im a fan of BCAA's and Glutamine + a good multi-vit.

Like teamfatboy says, talk to a good trainer, and best of luck!

[blue131]

Thanks heaps for all that everyone.

Firstly let me just say I think my trainer is great. I'm just silly when it comes to asking for help.

Currently my workouts are split into two, twice a week. I change every 8 weeks or so to a new pattern etc. I'm eating as much as possible but obviously not junk food. I'm vegetarian so pick up protein in eggs, soy, quinoa, powders, nuts and seeds, dairy products. I eat massive amounts of fruit/veg, and also have brown rice or pasta at night. I eat 5 or 6 times a day. Breakfast is porridge or similar. After reading comments, and given benefit of a couple of good sleeps, I realise that time and keeping at it will get the results. Thanks again.

[biomax]

Thanks heaps for all that everyone.

Firstly let me just say I think my trainer is great. I'm just silly when it comes to asking for help.

Currently my workouts are split into two, twice a week. I change every 8 weeks or so to a new pattern etc. I'm eating as much as possible but obviously not junk food. I'm vegetarian so pick up protein in eggs, soy, quinoa, powders, nuts and seeds, dairy products. I eat massive amounts of fruit/veg, and also have brown rice or pasta at night. I eat 5 or 6 times a day. Breakfast is porridge or similar. After reading comments, and given benefit of a couple of good sleeps, I realise that time and keeping at it will get the results. Thanks again.

If you have a good trainer, that will hopefully take care of your training.

I'm no expert on vegetarian diets but your diet basically looks good. Just make sure that you combine all the plant proteins correctly so that you can get the full spectrum of essential amino acids at each meal. If they arent all present, they won't be able to do their magic, but you probable knew that already :oops:

If I can make a suggestion I will add in some eggs or a shake with your porridge at breakfast.

Like you say, just keep at it and keep on experimenting to find out whats working for you, the gains will come, just have faith in yourself and patience. :wink:

Bio