How can I get less scrawny?

Question

I'm 5'7" and 120 pounds. I know I have an ultrafast metabolism, and it seems no matter how much I eat, I don't gain. I've started an exercise routine, but I don't think it's really all-encompassing for my whole body. I walk and run a lot, and do some weight lifting (mostly with machines). But I'm way too skinny. It's most noticeable in my arms and chest. I think I'd look a lot better if maybe I weighed 20 more pounds. How can I work on this?

What can I do without getting fat? You know, just better build. Not looking to be a bodybuilder or anything.

Answer 1

My Steve was really skinny with a very fast metabolism. He worked out with weights three times a week for like two years, to build himself up, and ate as much protein as he possibly could. It was like the exercise regimen of a physical therapist building someone up after an injury.

Once he got enough upper body to suit him, or rather to be at the diminishing returns stage, he cut back on the weight work, but did not abandon it altogether, and continued to eat as much as he reasonably could, and of good high protein foods, for the rest of his life.

Answer 2

Just reassure yourself you're definitely not the only one in this boat! My personal trainer co-worker and friend use to be just like you. He was 140 pounds though, but still scrawny. Now he's 240 pounds! It takes a lot of changes in your life to get bigger. You dont necessarily want to be 240, but you gain certainly gain a LOT more mass on you. We're talking about getting some meat on you first and then building some muscle. Eat a LOT A LOT A LOT. You're probably not eating the right foods. Stay away from junk food! Eat a lot of lean meat like chicken. Potatoes! Read up on it, you'll find a lot of good stuff. Just be sure to not do anything the unhealthy way. Good luck!

Answer 3

I've heard protein shakes work. Don't go too heavy on the exercise cause you'll just burn through the calories faster. I'd also increase your healthy carbs, like breads made with whole wheat (avoid anything with the words enriched in the ingredients),and oily fish like tuna or salmon. Eat more often during the day to maximize the available building blocks for your muscles through the day.

Answer 4

Protein supplements and fewer reps with more weight. Your muscle mass grows when it's torn (sounds bad) and rebuilds. You'll never bulk up by doing cardio (like running) and doing lots of reps with lighter weights. Lift such heavy weight that you can only stand to curl it or bench it about three times, then go from there.

Also, some muscles build bigger faster. You'll look beefier if you focus on your triceps more than your biceps for example.

Answer 5

Beer

Answer 6

Protein supplements?

Answer 7

read tips on building muscle mass and more on dietary needs and workouts on this site

Answer 8

http://www.mikedangelo.com/health/articles/nutritionII/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant