5 month progress on IA's 'hard gainer routine'!

[m00bah]

Thought I'd post some update pics. I've been working out since about July/August and started off at a measly 6ft 133lbs and since then I've gained 25lbs and now sit at 158lbs. I did not have much success on Rippetoes so I switched to using IronAddict's "Hard Gainer Routine" which he outlined in his top 10 lifting routines thread. I've been on this for the last few months. The eating is killing me as I have such a fast metabolism and eating CLEAN foods at just over 3000 calories had me plateau at 152 lbs so I've had to up them again!

Unfortunately I just used pics for my own benefit so I wasn't too fussed with same angles and lighting so I apologise but hopefully you can tell me if you see a difference. The before pics were actually a few weeks into working out so I don't have any proper before pics sadly.

Before:
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1524/front2zh1.th.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=front2zh1.jpg)

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4706/back4yh2.th.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=back4yh2.jpg)

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/9540/back2lf5.th.jpg (http://img376.imageshack.us/my.php?image=back2lf5.jpg)

[m00bah]

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1253/phototo2.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=phototo2.jpg)http://img204.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3461/photo2nk9.th.jpg (http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=photo2nk9.jpg)

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/3564/1947622origei5.th.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1947622origei5.jpg)

[m00bah]

AFTER:

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2932/frontei0.th.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=frontei0.jpg)

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/5638/backcf1.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=backcf1.jpg)

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/4048/armwe6.th.jpg (http://img376.imageshack.us/my.php?image=armwe6.jpg)

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7135/back3yu4.th.jpg (http://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=back3yu4.jpg)

All comments are welcome, I think I've made some steps forward and I'm looking forward to reaching 180lbs some day.

[iron addict]

NICE progress:D Despite what many may "claim to know", many people simply do not need or tolerate a lot of workload. Especially when they are relative beginners.

IA

[m00bah]

Thanks IA! My shoulders are the weakest point, they don't seem to grow as easily as other body parts and my lifts never seemed to increase much for the overhead press. I recently switched to doing the movement with dumbbells (and consequently had to lower the weight a little). Last workout I tried finishing off using drop sets to try and fry them and get some growth. Is that a reasonable thing to do?

Looking at the rear double bi pose before and after it does look like I've put some muscle on delts? However I just wish they would fill OUT to give me that broad shoulder look as opposed to just looking taller in rear double bi. Am I expecting too much?

[F-Mac]

Congrats on the progress! Definitely looking bigger.

[iron addict]

Thanks IA! My shoulders are the weakest point, they don't seem to grow as easily as other body parts and my lifts never seemed to increase much for the overhead press. I recently switched to doing the movement with dumbbells (and consequently had to lower the weight a little). Last workout I tried finishing off using drop sets to try and fry them and get some growth. Is that a reasonable thing to do?

Looking at the rear double bi pose before and after it does look like I've put some muscle on delts? However I just wish they would fill OUT to give me that broad shoulder look as opposed to just looking taller in rear double bi. Am I expecting too much?

For now, just add two sets of lateral raises. Hits the side delts which are what really make your shoulders appear wide, and is easy on CNS.

IA

[m00bah]

For now, just add two sets of lateral raises. Hits the side delts which are what really make your shoulders appear wide, and is easy on CNS.

IA

Thanks. I'm mid-workout right now (home gym) and decided to try some lateral raises. Using only 2kg dumbbells I'm actually struggling with the exercise. Should they be this weak? The other issue is that after I go past half way with raising my arm, my shoulder makes a noticeable click/pop which is fairly uncomfortable. What am I doing wrong here?

[iron addict]

If they bother your shoulder, don't do them. Get your military press or dumbbell press up to 150 x 10 and you will have MUCH better shoulders.

IA

[Richard85]

great progress man! this is the only site you will ever need

[TheSplat]

Congrats on the progress man. Keep it up, on this routine you just keep growing!

[College_TE]

What were your results in terms of your lifts?

[Shane_]

Obvious size difference bro congrats! How did the strength improve?

[jediclampet]

That is really quite impressive progress.

[cicakman]

wow great progress its very inspiring! Which of IA's routines did you use? Im assuming the 2-day a week one?

[m00bah]

wow great progress its very inspiring! Which of IA's routines did you use? Im assuming the 2-day a week one?

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback. Yeh this is the 2-day a week one. I do it Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday based on what is convenient. Superb routine by IronAddict, I recommend it to ALL people who think they are hardgainers!

[Crispy90]

How were your strength gains?

[m00bah]

Strength gains are too hard to detail as I was on Rippetoes for a couple of months before I started this and my numbers went up a bit on it (my numbers went up but body wise next to nothing happened). Numbers are irrelevant for me, I couldn't care less what I was able to bench or squat as long as I am seeing the right things in the mirror. The numbers are for sure going up but that is all I'm going to say regarding this. Don't get too bogged down in big numbers if you are just trying to get a nice body. Good luck all.