I'm trying to gain weight, and I have a trainer to help gain muscle- should I exercise on days I don't train?

Question

I've been extremely ill lately and I'm trying to recover- I lost 50 pounds and all of my muscle so now I'm dangerously underweight. The doctors have me on a 2500 calorie diet (which is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to achieve for me), and I'm working out with a trainer very lightly 3-4 times a week. Should I be exercising on the days that I don't go to the trainer? Because I want to prevent weight gain in just my stomach...i want to gain it evenly all over. Or should I just stick to training on those days, will that be enough training to keep me toned and gain healthy weight back? Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas on food too...i have a lot of food allergies (such as a dairy allergy and sensitivity to fats)...I know i should be getting a lot of protein, so i eat chicken breast, egg whites and turkey...and i eat a TON of bread. Will bread put on unhealthy weight?

Answer 1

If you do any additional exercize, you will burn additional calories which will make it more difficult to gain weight. As for the difficulty in getting your 2500 cal diet in, you can try supplementing with Ensure (see link below). Ensure is given to low weight patients to help them get more calories and nutrients in. And, it's condensed, so it won't leave you feeling overly full.

Good luck. :)

Answer 2

Listen: you need to do 200 minutes of cardio a week. Remember fat does not turn into muscle, so you need to lose your fat while putting on muscle. The 45 minute thing is not true, but don't over 60 minutes at a time.

Do 5-10 minutes of cardio to warm up, then do your weight training. Do 30 to 60 minutes more of cardio, then go home.

The best time to eat is just after your workout within an hour when your metabolism is raging. For your muscles, incorporate some isolated soy protein or whey protein. Whey is more potent but the soy tastes better!

Don't look at your scale as the be all and end all, but get a measuring tape to check your progress, and that will show more tangible results.

Good luck and stick at it.

Answer 3

"Should I be exercising on the days that I don't go to the trainer?"

I advise against it. They don't merely "rest" when you're not working out. Instead, it build itself up so that at your next strenous activity (workout), it's a little more prepared than the last time.

So resting days between workouts is essential. Nothing good would happen if you keep on workingout without giv ing your body a rest.

"Because I want to prevent weight gain in just my stomach...i want to gain it evenly all over. "

That's what your workouts are for. Remember, your working out to bulk up on muscles not fat. Muscles develops evenly as long as your workout targets your whole body.

To prevent a "gain in just the stomach", then make a large portion of your recommended calorie intake come from protein. Eat proper amounts of carbs and fat. Protein builds only muscles. Fat only builds up...uhm...fat.


"Or should I just stick to training on those days, will that be enough training to keep me toned and gain healthy weight back? "

Of course. Remember, you're under professionals that knows what they are doing. Cooperate well and gradually you'll see the results. Remember still: It would take time. No fast result is healthy.

"Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas on food too...i have a lot of food allergies (such as a dairy allergy and sensitivity to fats)...I know i should be getting a lot of protein, so i eat chicken breast, egg whites and turkey...and i eat a TON of bread. Will bread put on unhealthy weight?"

Honestly, carbs is good for you. After all, its the main source of energy; which you need during your reular workouts. But a TON?? I think it would be best if you eat 3-4 servings of bread everyday (less if you can).

Protein eh? any meat is a good source of it. Better choices would be fishes and soy.

FYI: beef has more fat/cholesterol content than pork. ^^

AND DONT FORGET! An increased amount of protein intake NEEDS an increased amount of water intake as well! If you're body is to metabolize alot of protein for energy (a process which as many harmful end products), you need water to flush the waste out as urine. This is very important if you want to prevent kidney disorders.


My two cents. Good luck!^^

Answer 4

Request a thyroid test from your physician. And see the article at the link below for hyperthyroidism (not hypo). Also, I have included a link to the USDA food pyramid for reference to guide your dietary intake. The food allergies are annoying, too. It is necessary to remember that "putting on muscle" will require a diet that includes proteins and meats have protein; however, a complex protein is formed by combining legumes such as beans and grains such as corn. Fish contains proteins, as well as, beneficial omega fats...not to be confused with regular "fats". These are systemically required and prevent some imbalances in our systems.

Thyroid disorders are more common than one would think. It is a blood test added to the usual cholesterol test. They take two vials instead of one.

Get well, soon.

Answer 5

Yeah Not too much bread, bread is fiber and carbs! you want proteins. a little carbs and fats are good, but proteins are the best kind of foods because they're stored as muscle. You need to also drink a lot of water too, because water will help your body achieve a good balance while you're exercising. You should on your non-training days still at least stretch, because that will keep your muscles growing. since you have a trainer you should ask what they'd suggest for your off days. it won't kill you to exercise on those days too. though I'd recommend a cardio program for your off days, maybe running or swimming. but generally something to get your heart rate up because that builds core strength. and Core is what will keep you healthy.

Answer 6

Sounds like you are certainly on the right track! Hiring a personal trainer was a great start. If you are not allergic to it, you may want to add Ensure products to your diet. Not only will they help you gain weight, but they are loaded with vitamins. They are really good for you.

On your days off of training, don't stress about your weight. Lose yourself in a hobby you really enjoy, like painting or beading or such. Something enjoyable. Stress can make you lose weight.

Answer 7

Yes bread will put on unhealthy weight. No I wouldnt exercise inbetween days, if youve been that ill, you probly need to be careful what you do. Plus if you have a trainer like you say....then why would you ask ppl on here? Wouldnt that be a question for your trainer?

Answer 8

I wouldnt do the bread, eat 6 to 7 meals a day, alot of protein, some peas, they have good fat,

Answer 9

Go to this website. They have products to help you gain weight and muscle the healthy way. Good Luck

Answer 10

whey protein
drink lots and lots of whey protein
go to gnc and buy some