What is really attainable?

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  Feb 23, 2009 10:33 AM GMT

  I’m not sure if I am just having a bit of a motivation issue or if I my thoughts are valid..
  
  I’m starting to think that my goals and aspirations are unrealistic.
  
  How does one know whether their own goals are attainable? How does one know whether their body can even become the goals that one makes for themselves?
  
  I have been weight lifting and training for over 4 years now and I have made a lot of progress in dropping weight and putting on a bit of muscle. However, it is starting to really seem that my body just doesn’t want to cut or bulk properly nor does it really react to anything I try to do with it.
  
  I am currently trying a cutting phase where I am trying different things as to what I did the last time I tired, but again, I seem to either put on weight or just hover. I record everything I eat pretty much to the last calorie and only have 2000 to 2200 calories a day. My job keeps me on my feet for 8 hours a day all the while running around and picking up boxes up to 12kg. I also attend the gym 4 to 5 days a week and weight lift and cardio. I think I am surely expending more calories than I am eating them. I just can’t understand why my body isn’t responding.
  
  This is the reason it got me thinking about how realistic I am in regards to what I will be able to do with my body. But again, how does one know what is attainable?
  
  I know that hard work and persistence is the key to getting a nicely defined body and I am fully prepared to do what it takes.
  
  But when one works hard and doesn’t get the results one is hoping for it can be a major hit to motivation and self confidence.
  
  Anyone have any thoughts on the issue?
  

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  Feb 23, 2009 1:12 PM GMT

  I know exactly what you talking about...I am feeling the same way...I think it is harder for some of us due to genes and metabolism and etc.
  
  The only advice I could give is maybe your doing to much...I have read in alot of articles that once some guys cut back, rested more they started growing more.
  
  Dancerjack on here has a good post on this, take a look at it and see what you think....I definitely can feel your frustration though and I am right there with ya!!
  
  http://www.realjock.com/gayforums/405798/

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  Feb 23, 2009 2:41 PM GMT

  try nu4you.net I am in the weight loss challenge and they not only have a weight loss program but bulking up program. i was stuck on 233 of so long and now the weight is going down. Val

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• TexanMan82
  
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  Feb 23, 2009 4:37 PM GMT

  I would bet that you just aren't eating enough.

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  Feb 23, 2009 4:54 PM GMT

  TexanMan82 saidI would bet that you just aren't eating enough.

  
  
  
  Exactly what I was thinking....I consume close to 4000 calories a day.... I have to if I am trying to bulk up....

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  Feb 23, 2009 5:11 PM GMT

  I think TexanMan82 and jbhno3 hit the problem on the head, there.

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• josephmovie
  
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  Feb 23, 2009 5:50 PM GMT

  I trained with a really crap personal trainer for a year and in the end the results were practically identical to when we started. I too thought that my body was just one of those bodies that didn't seem to respond.
  
  So I started going to another gym where I was put on a new program. Results started to show after only 6 weeks, and have continued.
  
  It's all in the routine and the rest. I only wish I could tell you what will work for you, but for me, and many others, and probably you as well, it's a long process of trial and error.

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  Feb 23, 2009 9:46 PM GMT

  I’m just a beginner here, so I don’t know if this makes sense however, it seem to be a “plateau “
  Here is a link to understand a “training plateau”
  http://www.buildingmuscleworldwide.com/email-training-session-3-understanding-a-training-plateau
  and yes I agree eat more
  
  

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  Feb 24, 2009 1:38 AM GMT

  Thank you all for your insights..
  
  I respect you opinions since I know that you guys know what are talking about - Especially flex and TexanMan.
  
  I just cant understand how by eating more that I can lose weight and cut. I have always read and told that to lose body fat you need to eat less than what you are taking in. I am trying to think why this maybe not so good. The only thing I can think of is if it slow down my metabolism to much.
  
  Thanks redbull for the link! I have read that thread before and I did have some interesting information. I don't remember anything sticking in my head, so I might just read it again.
  
  Maybe I just really need to get a personal trainer and a nutritionist for a few weeks to see what I am doing wrong.
  
  Thank you again for all your help guys

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  Feb 24, 2009 1:40 AM GMT

  Tork, what exactly is your goal?
  
  You talk about bulking and cutting. Do you want to get huge and compete? Or are you just looking to add some muscularity?
  

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  Feb 24, 2009 2:48 AM GMT

  Thanks for replying xrichx.
  
  I don't want to complete or become huge as a house.
  
  I only really want to gain enough muscle so that when I somehow lose enough boyfat I can become defined - become more masculine as you would say.
  
  

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  Feb 24, 2009 3:05 AM GMT

  I know exactly how you feel. I'm starting the P90X program and am hoping to get some results from that. Good luck!

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  Feb 24, 2009 3:46 AM GMT

  The rule of thumb for muscle gain and protein consumption is to use the following formula
  
  - for each kilo you weigh consume at least 2 grams of protein per day (eg 100 kilos = 200 grams of protein daily)
  
  Pure whey protein is good and easily taken up by the body, as are fish, eggs, nuts, some red and white meat. Whey protein in muscle building forumulas is most effective if you drink 30 minutes before and after exercise - and about an hour before you go to bed. This in most cases will give you around 120 grams of your 200 or so daily requirement.
  
  Quick bulking also happens when increasing carbs - but this will not always be muscle gain
  
  Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables - forget the high fat high salt take aways.
  
  The above, and a really challenging weights/resistance program will get results - good luck mate

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  Feb 24, 2009 4:19 AM GMT

  Tork saidThanks for replying xrichx.
  
  I don't want to complete or become huge as a house.
  
  I only really want to gain enough muscle so that when I somehow lose enough boyfat I can become defined - become more masculine as you would say.
  
  

  
  Well, if you're trying to lose weight, I don't think you should be bulking/cutting. For some people, this type of training/eating doesn't work. It didn't work for me. And after 4 years, it looks like it's not working for you.
  
  Visualize your ideal body/muscularity. Instead of bulking up and cutting down, you should try to grow into your ideal body. Basically, try to develop lean muscle mass, rather than plain bulk.
  
  So by focusing on building lean mass, you will lose the fat and gain definition/muscularity at the same time. You look pretty lean already, so I think you'll notice the results quicker.
  
  I pretty much started the same way. I had no plans to get too muscular. I just wanted to lose the extra fat and get a little ripped. I implemented a lot of endurance style training, and borderline over-training. Strange thing is that my body responded quite well to this and I started to get some decent muscle mass. And when I learned proper lifting form and technique, I was getting even better results. Anyways, I'm rambling..
  
  My point is, working out and getting results is all about trial and error. You have to try different things until you find the right combination of exercises and routines that work for you. Same goes with nutrition. As the guys above suggested, you probably need to eat a little more. Tall people generally have higher metabolisms. So you need to eat enough to stay ahead.
  
  And don't give up. I think it took me about 3 years before I started to notice a difference in the way my body looked.

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  Feb 25, 2009 4:21 AM GMT

  I would like to thank everyone for their help and who posted the great info that is in this thread!
  
  I think I am just going to put this down as a bit of a low motivation mood swing and kick it up into gear and try again - but using some of the ideas that I have got from this thread.
  
  Thank you again all and hopefully I dont need to post a thread like this again for at least a while! heh

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  Feb 25, 2009 4:33 AM GMT

  Tork saidI don't want to complete or become huge as a house.

  This is a slight chink in your plan. Train as though you're trying to become as big as a house. I don't recommend eating indiscriminately to bulk up. Eat well and get plenty of protein. But tax your muscles so that they grow. Tax them hard with the assistance of a coach. You can step off the platform any time you think you've gotten too big. Just don't aim low.

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  Feb 25, 2009 4:45 AM GMT

  mickeytopogigio saidYou can step off the platform any time you think you've gotten too big. Just don't aim low.

  
  
  That makes absolute sense - Another pearl of wisdom that I will be taking with me ;) Thank you mickey!

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  Feb 25, 2009 5:30 AM GMT

  I got this big by aiming higher than it. If things in my life went perfectly (work not getting in the way, no work-related injuries, everyone in my family healthy) I'd be MUCH bigger. But this is what I'm stuck with. Had I aimed for exactly this, I'd be much smaller.
  
  Good luck!

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  Feb 25, 2009 6:37 AM GMT

  Hmmm Do I dare say??
  
  Maybe I will be cut down for not eating a T_BONE...lol
  
  There are a lot of ideas really. Some have a solution and others are still trying to get it. I think you have to know who you are and what you want to become.
  
  GOALS!
  
  Now, overeating...I do not. I am not after Mr. Olympian. I know Body Builders go on and off extreme diets. They eat everything...then they end up eating fish and some rice cakes.
  
  I say be natural. Let your own body develop naturally. If you need more...search out. You might need some supplementation. I do actually take a list of them. Sometimes it's trial and error. Don't just run out there and shoot up or what ever. Learn up and maybe ask a local Nutritionist or Someone who can point you in the right direction...
  
  I think we were all an ugly duckling at one point!
  
  Physical beauty comes with time, age and continually improving ones self!

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  Feb 25, 2009 3:35 PM GMT

  If I asked how to gain 40lbs, or become very tanned, many people wouldn't question my question. The barber is not the best person to tell you if it's time to make a haircut.

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  Feb 25, 2009 3:55 PM GMT

  Personally, I don't think I could ever have really large muscles. It's just not the way I'm put together.
  
  I'm tall, thin and long limbed. Of course Arnie had my shape as well as huge muscles, but as well all know, he was a) on roids b) exceptional.
  
  In fact it was his bone structure in combination with muscles that made him so famous.
  
  
  
  My point is that different bodies react differently to weight training. My approach now is to maintain high levels of fitness and low body fat, rather than aim for muscle mass.
  
  Jogging/biking/pilates etc etc etc plus 'sportsmans' diet, high in carbs and veg, rather than the 'bodybuilders' high protein diet.
  
  Body builders are often hot as hell, but it's not the only way to look good.
  
  

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  Feb 25, 2009 5:32 PM GMT

  Lost_And_Found saidPersonally, I don't think I could ever have really large muscles. It's just not the way I'm put together.
  
  I'm tall, thin and long limbed. Of course Arnie had my shape as well as huge muscles, but as well all know, he was a) on roids b) exceptional.
  
  In fact it was his bone structure in combination with muscles that made him so famous.
  
  
  
  My point is that different bodies react differently to weight training. My approach now is to maintain high levels of fitness and low body fat, rather than aim for muscle mass.
  
  Jogging/biking/pilates etc etc etc plus 'sportsmans' diet, high in carbs and veg, rather than the 'bodybuilders' high protein diet.
  
  Body builders are often hot as hell, but it's not the only way to look good.
  
  

  
  
  Good point. I think some on this site wish it was a gay body building site. Jock ...means athlete right? Maybe even someone who is athletic? Muscle mass is good...can be over rated and there really is more to life than just bulk.!
  

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  Feb 25, 2009 5:40 PM GMT

  jbhno3 said

  TexanMan82 saidI would bet that you just aren't eating enough.

  
  
  
  Exactly what I was thinking....I consume close to 4000 calories a day.... I have to if I am trying to bulk up....

  
  
  I wanna' see jbhno3 smiling at 240 and 6'2". He be hunky then.
  
  flex89 lives with me, and we comfortably keep Logan around 220. He likey the buffet. :-)
  
  He's a hurting unit today...LOL...he did legs...and he's all sore...

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