Out of shape and want to GAIN weight
 

Anyone have any advice on weight gain?
I am 5'10, 120lbs and really out of shape after a life at the computer. I can imagine the physical problems i'll have in the future as i already have back pain, wrist pain, etc.
I always feel so frail and weak and would easily trade computer time for work-out time...but i've always been under the assumption that working out is useless unless you have mass to begin with. :hmm:
Also, i do not know the first thing about properly getting into shape.
It seems like everywhere i look everyone is trying to lose weight.
Any ideas?

6 meals a day, each roughly the size of your fist, of natural foods including carbohydrates, fats, protiens, and vitamins/minerals. I usually shoot for a 33%/33%/33% with protiens fats and carbohydrates. Eatn when you're hungry and eat until you're full, no more no less. I also suggest getting a simple set of free weights and a bench, maybe with a lat tower. Men's Health magazine has one workout set per issue, so whatever one is in this month's issue should do fine. Work out, eat right and eat enough. Don't expect results until 4-5 weeks in, and don't expect to see your ideal until 6-10 months (this is in theory, everyone is different). Good health is something you do for the rest of your life, like breathing. You can't diet and exercise for a short time and then stop. I've been working out since I was a Jr. in hs. I never plan on stopping.

Edit: you might also consider pilates or yoga. Trust me.

I have 3 stories to share:

1) I have a friend who force-fed himself 6 Whoppers (Burger King's Big Mac equivalent) every day for a year, on top of regular meals. He also developed a workout program which included a heavyweight punching bag and a workout program at a gym. This seems to be an exceptionally unhealthy way of going about it.

2) My sister was required by her doctor to gain 30 pounds while she was breastfeeding her twins. Apparently you need a lot of mass in order to lactate properly. She kept her weight up with a big bowl of oatmeal in the morning and a milk shake every night just before going to bed, on top of normal meals.

3) My brother: he was super scrawny before he became involved with martial arts. Find a local Kung Fu or Karate studio and enjoy the workout 3x a week. They should be able to give you good advice on gaining weight healthily there as well.

Just wanted to reiterate; don't do that. :)

I've struggled with being underweight my whole life. I was always in good shape though from doing alot of physical activities. What has worked good for me was adding about 100 grams of protein to my diet, which was about 2500 calories a day. Since I have always been into sports and hiking I just kept doing those. It took some time, but I have been steadily gaining weight for a couple of years. I went from 6'5 130 lbs to 205 lbs.

Of course you should talk to your doctor before starting any intense workout program, especially considering that you have what sounds like a very sedentary lifestyle. What willravel said would work great. Keep adding to and mixing up your workout. Using the monthly issues of mens health to mix up your workout is a great idea, as are yoga and pilates, I would add Tai Chi to that list, as these will increase you balance and core strength.

Be who you are !!

It's funny when an overweight guy like me (6' tall, 250 lbs last time I checked) reads a thread like this. I just want to say, "Consider yourself lucky! Quit showing off!" But I have a friend who is underweight, and he explains to me how everyone used to pick on him for being the small guy; and everyone used to pick fights with him 'cause they felt he was easy prey. So I understand when I read this. One thing that gets me, though;

If you're underweight, people are mean to you;
If you're overweight, people are mean to you.

Why the fuck are people so damned mean?

Just keep in mind adding protein to your diet does nothing unless you are working out enough to need it. Most people who eat meat get plenty of protein in their diets. I've even heard it can be bad if you have an over abundance of protein.

I dunno :| don't let it get to ya though. For the most part everyone has some kind of problem and wonders why it has to be that way and thinks not many other people have that problem but we all do, human nature. We're all so similar, brothers and sisters all, and don't realize it.

Short answer? Low self esteem. These are the people that are shallow, vein, and lack substance. They put all their faith in Cosmo or MTV. Rest assured that you lead a much richer life. The best revenge is success. If I can do it (I was once very overweight), anyone can. I mean it's not easy, but you can do it.

I suggest simply getting a good understanding of your body type. Focus on a balance workout routine and a balance diet. In time, you will know your body's strengths and weaknesses. Then focus more time on your weaknesses. Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy it, and make it fun. (i.e.-I go to a gym that has lots of nice looking women, rather than working-out in my garage)

I have a football player build. Lifting weights and bulking-up comes easy for me, running and cardio work is not. When I go to the gym, I spend about 40 minutes on cardio work and about 20 pumping iron. You might be the exact opposit. No matter what, to me the best looking people are "balanced", thats what I work for.

Also, I watch people with personal trainers. They spend alot of time doing what I consider weird excercises. I stick with the basics; Running (lots of variation on different days-speed/sprints, distance, incline, stairs, even walking), cycling, push-ups, pull-ups, squats, military press, bench press, curls, and a few others.

Try subscribing or reading Men's Health, best mag I have seen for overall fitness.

I really have the same thing, 6'5" currently 155
was 145 when I got back from Asia, and I couldn't finish the meals that people would give me here (gives you an idea of how much we eat in a lot of ways)
I need to start doing something to bulk up, but not to familier with free weights. I've been trying to eat more recently, and it seems to be helping with weight.. now I just need to make sure I actually go to the gym..

They say: Half the battle is simply showing up. Good luck. :thumbsup:

WOW you're a foot and an inch taller than me and within that extra length, and about 90 lbs more than me! That's amazing!