Realistic muscle gains

TheWanderer · 30th May 2012, 07:22 AM

Okay, so a couple of weeks into my 5 x 5 strength training doing A-b-a full bodies, I have weighed myself and I've put on 1lb, but my gut and love handles look smaller.

At 35 I'm no spring chicken, but what would be a realistic muscle gain be per week, at 211lb, 6" 1' and around 23% body fat I probably should be trimming down first, but don't want to end up a sack of skin so looking to build muscle 1st. Seems to me I'm losing fat and putting on muscle, starting gains I guess?

oROSSo · 30th May 2012, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWanderer

Okay, so a couple of weeks into my 5 x 5 strength training doing A-b-a full bodies, I have weighed myself and I've put on 1lb, but my gut and love handles look smaller.

At 35 I'm no spring chicken, but what would be a realistic muscle gain be per week, at 211lb, 6" 1' and around 23% body fat I probably should be trimming down first, but don't want to end up a sack of skin so looking to build muscle 1st. Seems to me I'm losing fat and putting on muscle, starting gains I guess?

just keep being patient. Impossible to say what muscle gains YOU will have but as long as you're confident that you're putting on muscle on dropping fat, then that's ideal. The more muscle you put on, the more fat you will shed.

TheWanderer · 30th May 2012, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oROSSo

just keep being patient. Impossible to say what muscle gains YOU will have but as long as you're confident that you're putting on muscle on dropping fat, then that's ideal. The more muscle you put on, the more fat you will shed.

Even after a couple weeks you can tell across my shoulders and chest, and my gut is visibly smaller, and my pants are a little slacker.

I'm trying to eat around 2000 cals a day, with a high protein intake.

I realise for serious muscle gains I will have to start increasing the calories, but will keep on like this and see what progress can be made.

oROSSo · 30th May 2012, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWanderer

Even after a couple weeks you can tell across my shoulders and chest, and my gut is visibly smaller, and my pants are a little slacker.

I'm trying to eat around 2000 cals a day, with a high protein intake.

I realise for serious muscle gains I will have to start increasing the calories, but will keep on like this and see what progress can be made.

seems to be working then, just keep it up. Well done so far. I don't think people realise how good weight training is for fat loss.

TheWanderer · 30th May 2012, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oROSSo

seems to be working then, just keep it up. Well done so far. I don't think people realise how good weight training is for fat loss.

I'm certainly not one for steady state cardio, bores me to tears. So went and bought a power rack, with low/lat pulley and 135kg Olympic barbell set. Already had dumbbels and 3z bar. So much easier having this all in my garage. And really enjoy this exercise more.

Titus · 30th May 2012, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWanderer

I'm certainly not one for steady state cardio, bores me to tears. So went and bought a power rack, with low/lat pulley and 135kg Olympic barbell set. Already had dumbbels and 3z bar. So much easier having this all in my garage. And really enjoy this exercise more.

Nice choice, most people would buy a daft multi-gym.

Hauser's-Helmet · 30th May 2012, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

Nice choice, most people would buy a daft multi-gym.

That's what I'm getting.

TheWanderer · 30th May 2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hauser's-Helmet

That's what I'm getting.

Don't!!!

Look into a power rack alternative, allow you to do squats etc safely. Check out powerhouse fitness for their strength packages.

oROSSo · 30th May 2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWanderer

Don't!!!

Look into a power rack alternative, allow you to do squats etc safely. Check out powerhouse fitness for their strength packages.

this

luvulongtime · 30th May 2012, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWanderer

Even after a couple weeks you can tell across my shoulders and chest, and my gut is visibly smaller, and my pants are a little slacker.

I'm trying to eat around 2000 cals a day, with a high protein intake.

I realise for serious muscle gains I will have to start increasing the calories, but will keep on like this and see what progress can be made.

well done..an inch off your waist is an inch on your shoulders