I've been lifting off and on for three years, but only "seriously" got into it about five months back. My efforts previous to that were of good form and fairly decent design for someone who had yet to learn all the tips from this board, but weren't streamlined, and I didn't work any specific split.
After nearly half a year of a clean bulk, a potent creatine supplement, and an effective 3-day split, I've gone from 128 pounds to 142 pounds. Not much of a gain, but I have some of the worst genetics for lifting. Big time ectomorph. I'm barely 5'7, perhaps 5'6, and I'm a 22 year old guy. Not the best build for sure. Mind you, those extra 14 pounds are something at least - unfortunately, I believe most of that may be due to the creatine supp I take.
At any rate, some random measurements I took. Keep in mind I had to do these myself, so they may not be 100% accurate.
Wrists: 6 inch TOTAL circumference
Chest (unflexed): 40 inches
Arms (flexed): 14.75
Waist (1 inch above navel): 30 - 30.5 inches
Waist (at widest point): 31 inches
Thighs: 23 inches
As you can see, I'm not particularly big, but I'm not that lean either anymore. I've never had that "skeletally thing" ecto look that some do, but I still fit into that class very much. My bodyfat at it's lowest in memory was 11-12% (I sit at about 13% now). No six-pack at any level without "contracting" the abs
I included my wrist measurement to show you what a tiny bone-structure I have. I know many women with bigger frames than myself who aren't "big" or even average size people. Hence 14.75 inch arms for me may be good, or hell, they may be awful. Personally, I'm not terribly impressed with my body, but of course, we are always harsher critics of ourselves than others are generally. And I have to realize I'm a tiny person. 16-17 inch arms likely isn't reality for me.
I've pretty much stopped gaining weight, despite a diet that includes up to 3000 calories some days. A common excuse I'm sure, but with my schedule, working in an additional meal, or more food is not very likely given my financial situation (university student). As one person here once accurately observed, body building is expensive. Creatine, whey, EFA's, good meat, glutamine, and multi's are getting close to bankrupting me, and my progress is stalling, which isn't making me very happy.
I'm considering starting a cut soon, if it seems I've hit my limits, which is quite possible given my small size. Getting that "look" might help my opinion of myself, and might show what gains that I have made show off more.
I don't have the frame to carry a significant ammount of weight, and I don't like the fact that I'm not that lean anymore. The only fat I really carry is below the navel line, as with most men - therefore my arm measurement is pretty much just bone and muscle for example - I have almost no fat on them. The lower-ab fat isn't a huge ammount, but it doesn't look terribly flattering on me, and is definitely grab-able
So... how pathetic is my size, should I consider cutting given my schedule, and well... yes. That's about it. I was figuring maybe giving my body time off from my current attempt at bulking, and then trying it again in the summer when I have more time off.
After nearly half a year of a clean bulk, a potent creatine supplement, and an effective 3-day split, I've gone from 128 pounds to 142 pounds. Not much of a gain, but I have some of the worst genetics for lifting. Big time ectomorph. I'm barely 5'7, perhaps 5'6, and I'm a 22 year old guy. Not the best build for sure. Mind you, those extra 14 pounds are something at least - unfortunately, I believe most of that may be due to the creatine supp I take.
At any rate, some random measurements I took. Keep in mind I had to do these myself, so they may not be 100% accurate.
Wrists: 6 inch TOTAL circumference
Chest (unflexed): 40 inches
Arms (flexed): 14.75
Waist (1 inch above navel): 30 - 30.5 inches
Waist (at widest point): 31 inches
Thighs: 23 inches
As you can see, I'm not particularly big, but I'm not that lean either anymore. I've never had that "skeletally thing" ecto look that some do, but I still fit into that class very much. My bodyfat at it's lowest in memory was 11-12% (I sit at about 13% now). No six-pack at any level without "contracting" the abs
I included my wrist measurement to show you what a tiny bone-structure I have. I know many women with bigger frames than myself who aren't "big" or even average size people. Hence 14.75 inch arms for me may be good, or hell, they may be awful. Personally, I'm not terribly impressed with my body, but of course, we are always harsher critics of ourselves than others are generally. And I have to realize I'm a tiny person. 16-17 inch arms likely isn't reality for me.
I've pretty much stopped gaining weight, despite a diet that includes up to 3000 calories some days. A common excuse I'm sure, but with my schedule, working in an additional meal, or more food is not very likely given my financial situation (university student). As one person here once accurately observed, body building is expensive. Creatine, whey, EFA's, good meat, glutamine, and multi's are getting close to bankrupting me, and my progress is stalling, which isn't making me very happy.
I'm considering starting a cut soon, if it seems I've hit my limits, which is quite possible given my small size. Getting that "look" might help my opinion of myself, and might show what gains that I have made show off more.
I don't have the frame to carry a significant ammount of weight, and I don't like the fact that I'm not that lean anymore. The only fat I really carry is below the navel line, as with most men - therefore my arm measurement is pretty much just bone and muscle for example - I have almost no fat on them. The lower-ab fat isn't a huge ammount, but it doesn't look terribly flattering on me, and is definitely grab-able
So... how pathetic is my size, should I consider cutting given my schedule, and well... yes. That's about it. I was figuring maybe giving my body time off from my current attempt at bulking, and then trying it again in the summer when I have more time off.
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