|
There are a number of ways to enhance muscular growth, many have been mentioned here. It really takes a combination of a good resistance training plan, diet, and dedication. You can get bigger without the use of steroids, but as someone said earlier, you have a genetic limitation to all things. Steroids takes you past that limitation, but the side effects are the consequence. I highly advise you not to investigate into steroids. Although there are means of using steroids that minimize future side effects, the tendency is almost always otherwise.
There are a number of supplements out there that you should be wary of as well, which many are nothing less than derivatives of steroids, steroid precursers (which are a little safer, but not by much), and HGH and it's precursers (has side effects as well). There are a number of supplements that are derivatives of Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which create a terrible addiction without the user knowing what they are truly addicted to (I know some of you can relate, lol). I'm sure there are a few supplements that may not be as harmful (creatine is the only one I can think of right now), but I haven't done my homework for some time since I've been out of the Personal Training loop for awhile. Do some investigation yourself to see the effects if you are truly interested in supplementation. Otherwise, stear clear of them.
I think the best advice would be to pay money for a trainer. You should also investigate the trainer's credentials, including certifications, education, experience, awards, etc. A good trainer who knows his/her stuff will be the most efficient tool to meet your goals. They can cut through all the bogus crap and get you to your goals much quicker than skimming through Muscle Mag., or talking to your local club bouncer about training workouts. The workouts they give you should include both resistance training as well as a little bit of cardio. The resistance training should, of course, be the focus, and a long-term training schedule should be created that would cover a certain period of time (say 3 months, 6 months, etc.). Within that schedule, smaller periods should be created as well to meet short-term goals (like 2 weeks, 1 month, etc.).
The training regimen should include a variety of exercises covering all the major and minor muscle groups. It should include a variety of exercises that covers the same muscle group as well. Additionally, it should vary both the number of repetitions, sets, and amt. of resistance (in a nutshell). And despite what some people have said earlier, you MUST NOT work the same muscle groups in consecutive days! This causes a great strain on not just your muscles, but on your joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones as well. Resistance training actually damages the muscles, creating microtears along the muscular fibers. This is actually a good thing, because the "healing" of these muscular fibers is what promotes muscle fiber growth in numbers, resulting in more muscle mass. However, if you workout these same muscle groups while they are "healing" (like the next day), this does not allow these muscles fibers to grow, and causes strain on the tired muscles. And that eventually causes strain on areas which you do not want, like the tendons, ligaments, bones, etc. Consequently, injuries from overuse result (tendonitis, stress fractures, etc.). I've seen it, and personally experienced it, so don't do it! The injuries may not happen immediately, but they will eventually, trust me!
Anyways, the end goal will ultimately lead you to a low repetition, high resistance group of workouts that will maximize muscular strength, and thus enhancing muscle mass in the process. Once this long-term period is over (and hopefully your goals are reached), a week or two should be given for lighter workouts. Then, the entire period is repeated. A trainer can explain this in more detail, but that should give you a quick idea what's in store.
Sorry for rambling. I f$cking hate my desk job! I miss those days of being active and getting paid for it..... Anyways, HTH.
___________________
Whence September dusk grows crisper still,
with leaves all crimson conquered,
I yearn to shout,
and dance about,
and stick pickles in my honker...
|
. The good thinga bout lifting weights is that the further you progress, the less you lift, beacaus your intensity goes so high. I started doing 5 sets, now im down to 4 or 3. I know this sounds crazy but I'm going to start a routine with only one rep! 6 reps, 6 exercies 
