Beginner Pics

**SE_JaktheLad** · 22-04-2010 02:37 AM

Mornin chaps

Brand new to posting on MP forums but thought why not give it a crack

Started working out seriously back in January, aiming towards bulking up a little and keeping some definition. I've always been a rather hard gainer with a high metabolism but by increasing the calorie intake significantly and trying to crack the diet it seems to be working out.

I'm 18 , 5'11 and currently 160 pounds - began at 140.

By sticking to the Stronglifts 5x5 routine I've been able to keep steady progress using the barbell, power rack, bench and chin up bar I have at home. However I feel I lack in some areas such as the chest which have been a pain to build up so any advice and tips would be much appreciated. Adding another workout day to focus on a body part on top of 5x5 do any harm?

Apologise if the pics arent the best quality. Cheers guys.

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**James** · 22-04-2010 12:53 PM

Great lean base to build on, abs and upper chest starting to show good development - good potential!

**Odevans** · 22-04-2010 01:19 PM

You look better than I did at that stage, much better in fact.

Get some head on pics, easier pick out what needs improving then matey.

**fussyjim** · 22-04-2010 01:40 PM

Welcome, looking good mate wish I started when I was 18!

If you are getting good results why change things?

20 pounds is some good gainage!

**SE_JaktheLad** · 22-04-2010 07:06 PM

Cheers James, yer mate my abs can be a bit of a pain tho as majority of my body fat seems to store itself in the lower part

but they've always been visible cos I play footy 4 times a week and have a pretty low bf%. Soon as I sit down tho they seem to disappear and the true belly seems to reveal itself and poke out

After reading HTTK's bulking thread I'm aiming to just add a couple pounds a month from now on keeping to a nice clean diet still with the increased calories.

Thanks Odevans will do mate.

5x5 really does give amazing gains, been tough but after a couple weeks you get used to it.

Hey Jim haha well its been hard , plenty of nights out having to look after the tipsy lads whilst you sip water

Dont necessarily want to change things as such , only if the chest stands to a holt in which case I could add an extra day for it over the weekend. Cheers mate.

**James** · 22-04-2010 07:11 PM

lower ab fat is the last bit to go in males, everyone has a belly when they sit down! Best of luck anyhow, looks like you are switched on and starting off great.

**SE_JaktheLad** · 22-04-2010 07:29 PM

True mate, however even tensing and untensing whilst standing seems to be one extreme to the other at times. Seems to just drop a lot, after eating I could be mistaken for being up the duff , must be genetic or something. Cheers tho mate yerh plenty of motivation to hit a good look by summer.

**James** · 22-04-2010 07:31 PM

It's all to do with carb, salt and water intake, and of course food in the stomach sill show a bulge.

**Nicholars** · 24-04-2010 08:52 PM

I dont think you really need it tbh but if you are that worried about your "belly" looking bloated etc. then you could try drinking dandelion tea... Sounds a bit weird but its actually quite a potent dieuretic and will stop you looking bloated...

But tbh you have very low body fat and you should aim to pack on some muscle and dont worry about a bit of fat gain because you clearly dont have much problem keeping at low bf.

For your chest IMO ignore the stronglifts advice of bb bench and stick to DB bench and incline DB bench and flies / cable crossover / dips ...