Thanks for the reply.
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Originally posted by SiNai
There's a term for your sunken chest, I just can't remember what it is.. Anyway, it's pretty common..
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Interesting. My case is cosmetic only, in that I don't have trouble breathing or pain as a result, even when I am active for long periods of time.
It is something that is annoying, in that it causes me to look "different" than others. I honestly doubt it can be "fixed" via weight training. I am just wondering if adding any kind of muscle to my chest could just exaggerate it more.. It is something I think about and notice, but those were the cards I've been dealt. I'll deal.
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Low rep/high weight is usually associated with packing on muscle, and high rep/low weight is usually for toning and conditioning. Whatever you do, make sure you have the right weights- make sure you're able to get to the end of your set, but then again you shouldn't be able to push out many more reps on that weight.
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Thanks for this info.. What would you consider low rep and high rep counts?
I have the mindset that it will be very difficult for me to add a lot of muscle mass, just because I am like a string bean. I may be wrong though. Then again, I'm not looking to be the next Mr. Universe, even it it was possible.
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I think that mostly, if you're not trying to be that 'hardcore', that something is definitely better than nothing. In other words, if you're going to lift to work your upper body, just keep the basics in mind, know (or learn) your muscle groups and how to target each, and work each group once a week.
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Good advice
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Combine groups that are close together or work together to do a complex lift and do them on the same day- for example, bi's, tri's, and chest. 4-5 days a week is nice but not necessary, you could definitely hit each muscle in your body 3 days a week, 2 would even be possible if you don't really want to focus on your legs. On days you don't lift you could go in and do your cardio, but I wouldn't recommend doing both cardio and lifting on the same day.
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The thing with cardio is.. It can really kick my ass, and I like that. Because I just keep going and pushing myself.
With weights, I find it a little more difficult, because I am not sure when to stop.. If I set out to do 3 sets, but after completetion, feel I can do more, should I, or do I just stop and move onto something else?
Also, it's interesting you mention not doing cardio and lifting on the same day.. Any reason for that? Is it counter-productive?
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If you need to learn, I've had a few good informative books, the internet has good info too, the site above is hardcore, abcbodybuilding.com is my particular favorite. If you really want some advice on workouts, I could post some workouts I've been doing, if you want to get an idea.
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If you'd be willing to post some of your workouts, I'd be very interested in seeing them.
I think the toughest part will be getting started, because after that I will ideally start to get in a routine.
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On nutrition, try to learn what foods contain protein and make it a habit to seek them out, and try to get some after your workout (~40g is ideal in the form of whey). Whey protein is an easy way of obtaining mass amounts of protein, and not too expensive- it can be bought online pretty cheap.
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What form is whey protein found in? Also, can you "overdose" on protein? If yes, what happens?
I'm not really familiar with protein and such, but I am a little concerned that if I don't excersize "enough" the protein won't be used, and possibly affect me negatively.. If that makes sense. I'm not really familiar with taking protein at all, and I admittedly probably am placing it among the other supplements sold at health stores, which may be unfair.
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Without going too much in depth, I try to keep my diet balanced at a 40/40/20 ratio of protein/carbs/fat, but I haven't been really watching it too closely. That is a good balance, though. Stay away from simple carbs unless it's post-workout.
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Ok, I don't eat a lot.. I often have a peanut-butter and marshmallow sandwhich, with a yogurt, and possibly some pretzels for lunch. Is that bad?
I eat other things also, but the PB&M sandwhich has become kind of routine. Breakfast is oatmeal (also routine), and supper varies depending on who's cooking.
I stopped eating fast food months ago, and rarely eat desserts. I don't drink soda (just water and juice), and generally I eat less than more, if that makes sense..
I also have been taking a multi-vitamin, fish oil tablets (4), a Vitamin C tablet, and Vitamin E (occasionally) and iron (even less) on a daily basis for years now.
I don't really know what I want out of going to the gym. The fact that I am skinny and don't have a lot to "work with" makes it tough to see myself putting on a lot of muscle. I'm not saying it's not possible, it's just my perception that I don't have much to convert to muscle.
I do want to start going to the gym, and stick with it this time. I like being active, and doing things, so I don't mind the strenuous part at all.. My body type seems to "lean" more towards cardio, but I am not sure if that means anything. Because I certainly wouldn't mind adding some muscle mass.
I am just not sure what I want, other than to get in shape, and stay there. I don't consider myself out of shape, but I think there is definitely room for improvement. In other words, I don't run marathons.
You presented a lot of great info, and I appreciate it a lot. If you could respond to some of my follow-up questions (there are a lot, sorry), that would also be greatly appreciated.
I guess it would help if I had a set goal or something that I wanted to achieve, but right now I kind of want to just get started and start to go every day, so that if anything, I can at least get into a routine and stick with it.
Thanks much!