Getting a little frustrated

[farmboy]

I've been following a regimen for several monthes, now, and was able to put on some weight. I thought I was making gains, but I'm not so sure, now. I try to mix things up by substituting excercises and switching others around. Now, though, it feels like I've hit a plateau.

I've been using the West Side for Skinny Bastards, and eating more, using protein shakes, etc... I put on around 8lbs in about 3 1/2 to 4 months. But, my bench doesn't seem to be getting any better and when I try for one legged squats, I can't do more than 8 or 9 per leg, using 2 25lb dumbbells.

Is there something I can do to supplement this workout, or should I change it completely, now? I'm only asking because I respect the opinion of the people on this forum, and I'm doing this on my own. Fixed imcome, lifting at home, don't have friends that lift...

Thanks in advance for any suggestions, and lol to any flames.

 

[Henry Swanson]

You could try a different routine altogether or you could take a week off and come back to your old routine. etc. Just remember as you get stronger you're gonna gain a lot slower and less frequently than when you first started. I'm not familiar with the West Side for Skinny Bastards routine so I couldn't give you any real specific advice about changing your routine.

 

[Mark Limbaga]

What is your sticking point in the bench? What esle do you do aside from lifting?

 

[Grady]

You should take a week off. Maybe you overtrain? Take the week off then see how well you do when you come back to the workout. And eat more good food.

 

[Henry Swanson]

Personally, I can only break through a plateau if I do something drastically different. When I plateaued on the dead a few months ago I focused on higher rep (12-15 reps), thick bar deads and timed holds.

 

[ballhawkdawk]

You could probably be putting on more than just 8 lbs in 3.5 months if you're lifting heavy and eating enough. 8 pounds for a "skinny bastard" should only take like a month.

 

[graedy]

Exactlly. Eat more! 8 lbs is nothing for a beginner.

 

[farmboy]

Well, I'm not exactly a beginner. I've been lifting for quick a while, but never really to gain. More just to stay in decent shape. Now, I'm trying to make real strength gains. I train with some guys that just overpower me when we spar.

I was happy with the 8 lbs, especially since I've been stuck right around 165 since high school.

 

[Grady]

Well, I'm not exactly a beginner. I've been lifting for quick a while, but never really to gain. More just to stay in decent shape. Now, I'm trying to make real strength gains. I train with some guys that just overpower me when we spar.

I was happy with the 8 lbs, especially since I've been stuck right around 165 since high school.

Well, farmboy, let us know what you decide to change and what ends up working for you to break the pattern.

 

[Ted-P]

Some just aren't that capable in terms of doing something.

For example, I can not go out with a small woman, because I'll rip her apart.

And you......... you can just can't seem to gain weight.

 

[porkskin]

ted-p, great post. the problem is that westside is about strength not hypertrophy. if pure weight gain is your goal the go for a bodybuilder routine. hell, h.i.t. will put weight on. but westside is about getting stronger and whatever gains come with the strength. if you are a true hardgainer, post your diet on here and get help. that powder that has "3000" calories per serving will put weight on if taken 3xday including before bed. just know that it is next to impossible to put on ripped metrosexual muscle without some fat. you will have to gain weight not just beach muscle. you need to be doing board presses if your bench sucks.

 

[Ted-P]

I was just joking.

 

[Ted-P]

except the being big part.

 

[Noskill]

EAT.
MORE.


Also, post your routine if you want serious help.

 

[farmboy]

My diet varies, as I travel a lot and that makes it hard to keep it consistant. But, I try to always carry some snacks with me to eat throughout the day: almonds, protein bars, jerky... I manage to stop for a decent lunch every day, though.

As far as my workout goes, I was doing the Westside for Skinny Bastards. I actually thought that it was supposed to help me gain weight, as most of the atheletes in the examples gained weight.

Anyway, I'm looking for a new regimine, because, obviously I'm doing something wrong. At this point, I just want to gain some muscle, and get up to about 180 or so. Like I said before, I just am getting tired of being overpowered by the bigger guys I train with.

 

[Ted-P]

Go bodybuilding.

 

[farmboy]

???

 

[Ted-P]

???

If you want to gain lean mass and if that is your priority, you should go bodybuilding cause it would be the optimal way in my opinion.

And please don't take this as an insult like some do.

Just an honest opinion.

 

[farmboy]

I guess I don't really know want to do, first and foremost. I'd like to gain a little size, but I'm trying to increase my strength, also. I used to think the 2 went hand-in-hand, but I don't know. Anyway, the strength increase would hopefully be due to an increase in weight. Obviously, due to an increase in muscle.

 

[Ted-P]

The two go hand in hand.

It's just the ratio of it is different.

Why don't you try out a hypertrophy routine for awhile then switch over to the heavy lifting style?