Jay K asked:

I have super fast metabolism because I’m an ectomorph (hardgainer). Is there any way to slow down my metabolism so I don’t get hungry so much and I can actually put some weight on?

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I’ve gained about 9 pounds from 1.5 months of moderately-intensive gym training (lifting of weights using machines ‘n stuff). I play tennis for about 3 hours, 3 – 4 times a week.

Can I eat more fast food? I mean, they’re so delicious… I ate KFC and Pizza Hut today.
I think both meals add up to just over 2000 calories… but I played tennis!

Basically, I’ve been at a standstill for muscle growth. I know what I’m doing though- I use creatine, whey (with essential amino’s), casien before bed, eat healthy, etc. I have a great routine that I switch up every 2-3 weeks, and I work very hard. I thought that I wasn’t eating enough, so I increased calories. No gain in strength, just gain in weight (probably fat, although I’m not fat). I’ve already accounted for the possibility that I’m overtraining, which I’m not. I am 18. The only thing I can think of is that I am slow to develop (no facial hair, scarce pit hair). The only reason I am decently strong for my age is because I work hard. Am I right, or is there something I’m missing?

I’ve tried techniques like dropsets, negatives, forced reps, super and giant sets, without making noticable progress. It has taken me forever to get where I am strengthwise, and the rate at which I get stronger seems to be slowing.

I love to lift weights and I get stronger but I never seem to get bigger. I eat a lot and I still don’t get bigger. Can someone give me a workout they feel would work or a diet they feel would work for a hard gainer. Please help.

Building Muscle

I have a pretty decent workout. I do chest/triceps on mon, back/biceps on wed, shoulders/legs on fri. Is that a good workout plan? I am trying to bulk up and add some weight on. Would it be bad instead of doing it 3 days a week to move it to 6 days a week? Is that too much? I just need some help on putting some weight on.

1. Get a whey-based protein powder.
2. Add 2 cups whole milk.
3. Add one banana.
4. Mix well with a hand-held blender OR a standalone blender.
5. Enjoy.

Mixing up protein and weight-gain powders ought to be the least of your worries. Focus on eating 6-8 small meals, get in some High Intensity Training, and get enough sleep. If you gain weight, you’re good to go.

If you don’t gain weight, re-assess your situation. Maybe you’re not getting enough sleep or food. For more weight-gaining tips, try The Hard Gainer’s Manifesto and Muscle-Build.com.

It has been suggested that beer ale yeast can help hardgainer like me gain weight. I was wondering if anybody had some more information on this. Only on this subject (no food examples).