“Fifty percent of what we know is wrong. The problem is that we don’t know which fifty percent it is.” Timothy Noakes. PhD
How much weight do you need to lose or gain for it to be noticeable? Roughly ten pounds unless you are pretty big or really tiny. In my case, coworkers and friends began commenting on my weight gain after I had added about seven pounds.
Of course, most of you would be more interested in knowing how to lose weight instead of gain. Here’s a post on how to get started with that. First, how I gained ten pounds of mostly muscle.
My problem has always been that I lose weight rapidly. One hour at a gym three times per week often results in losing 5 or more pounds in that week. This time around I used a technique described in Tim Ferris’s book “The 4-Hour Body”.
Diet –
My regular diet¹, plus GOMAD (Gallon of Milk A Day), actually I never consumed a full gallon of milk, at my peak I was able to drink little more than a quart a day. Fair warning, drink an equal amount of water or buy lots of air freshener because the gas is a killer. Many people cannot digest milk easily. Neither can I, but I found that organic whole milk does not make me nauseated, so I drank that. Also, I drank a daily creatine supplement. Creatine is great. For those who regularly work out in the sun, lift weights, or have problems staying hydrated (like me) I suggest creatine. That’s it.
Workouts-
Click the links to see the exercises
Workout A:
Supinated PullDown(60 pounds)Machine Shoulder Press(60 pounds) TGU using a ten-pound weight. (2 reps on each side)
Workout B
Hammer Press (100 pounds) Leg press (88 pounds) Stationary bike (3 minutes)
Workouts performed three days apart until I hit the maximum weight that I could lift and then four days thereafter.
Results:
Between the 21st of June and the 22nd of July, 2011 I went from 149 pounds to 159 pounds. For the math-impaired this works out to 2.5 pounds per week. My measurements at biceps, chest, and belly (at navel) increased by ½ inch, ½ inch and one inch. Measurement at hip also increased by 1 inch (I’m too sexy for my pants!) By the end of September, I’d lost about 4 pounds but not from my belly, probably due to my high sugar diet.
A bodybuilder (courtesy pixahive). Definitely not me.
More importantly, the weight gain has had the effect I most needed. When I went back to my wood turning workshop at the end of October, I didn’t get fatigued as easily. My hands didn’t shake and I could stand in front of the lathe for 2 – 3 hours without losing concentration. For those of you interested in rapid body modification, visit the 4 Hour Workweek.
Notes
Click the links to see short videos.
To see truly ridiculous muscle gain in a short period go HERE
The Turkish Get Up (TGU) is one of the most unglamorous exercises known, however it will expose muscular imbalances quickly, but it gives a total body workout in a short period. To see how to do it correctly go HERE. Try it without weight at first to see what I mean. The slower you can do this the better your technique will be.
What am I doing to maintain co-ordination and strength? A simple yoga routine, called the SUN SALUTATION.
¹My Regular Diet:
Breakfast: fruit, yogurt, two eggs, juice and oatmeal.
Snack: Cup of tea with four sugars. Dinner Bun with peanut butter and marmalade.
Lunch: Can of Chunky Soup, can of coconut water and dinner roll
Dinner: Either Fish, Chicken or Steak with rice or pasta and vegetables.
Unless you have a really fast metabolism, I don’t suggest you eat like this at all.
For those few who need help to get bigger and stronger, I hope this helps.
You have a crazy metabolism for a “mid life man” :). I’m 24 and I can’t eat half of the things in your regular diet for fear of getting fat. A gallon of milk a day, though, is a great way to get extra calories and protein – especially if you’re on a budget and can handle the lactose. Since I love milk, I’ve done this many times as a student.
The Casey Viator experiment is very interesting. It’s been used as an example of quick gains to sell multiple products over the years – starting with the Nautilus training machines Casey used during the experiment to the 27$ product in the link you gave.
The thing to remember is that Casey had lost 30+ pounds prior to the experiment from being sick. While his muscle gain during those 28 days is impressive, a lot of it was from him getting back into shape + the water and glycogen that came with his dry muscle weight.
I know I went off on a tangent there, but so many scammers use the Colorado Experiment to sell their “wonderproducts” that this stuff is worth keeping in mind!
All what you say is true, on the other hand, entire industries are built around complicating the process of building muscle. Most people can’t believe that milk and one set will get the job done.
That’s very true. I only use Whey and Fish Oil and I’m bigger + stronger than ever, whereas before I was using a bunch of supps!
Good job!
Very nice idea!
Very nice post!
Very good idea!
Nice post!
Very interesting idea!
I truly treasure your piece of work, Great post.
I enjoy your work , thanks for all the interesting articles .
I’m impressed, I must say. Really rarely do I encounter a weblog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you might have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is outstanding; the problem is one thing that not sufficient persons are talking intelligently about. I’m very joyful that I stumbled throughout this in my search for one thing relating to this.
would love to constantly get updated outstanding web site! .
Thanks Bradley. To get updates just subscribe. New posts come out on Monday mornings.
Real clear internet site , appreciate it for this post.
some times its a pain in the ass to read what blog owners wrote but this site is very user friendly ! .
Perfect just what I was looking for! .
Real wonderful information can be found on web blog .
its fantastic as your other blog posts : D, thanks for putting up.
I am impressed with this web site , really I am a big fan .
I agree with your points , excellent post.
thank you for sharing with us,this website genuinely stands out : D.
I just want to say I am just a beginner to blogging and truly enjoyed your web page. You really have fabulous writings.
I agree with your details , good post.
Perfect just what I was searching for! .
I genuinely value your piece of work, Great post.
Perfect just what I was searching for! .
Some really nice stuff on this web site , I like it.
I got what you mean , regards for putting up.
I genuinely enjoy reading through on this website , it has good content .
Enjoyed looking at this, very good stuff, thanks .
Assisted me a lot, just what I was looking for : D.
I do enjoy the way you have framed this particular concern and it does supply us some fodder for consideration. Still, thank you for this superb point.
woh I am pleased to find this website through google.
some truly interesting details you have written.
I really value your work , Great post.
Ne’er knew this, thanks for letting me know.
Simply wanna input on few general things, The website design is perfect, the articles is very great : D.
Real clear site, thanks for this post.
I am glad to be one of many visitors on this outstanding site (:, regards for posting .
Merely wanna state that this is very useful , Thanks for taking your time to write this.
Fantastic site. Lots of useful info here. I’m sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks for your sweat!
I like looking through and I believe this website got some genuinely useful stuff on it! .
Awesome post! I will keep an on eye on your blog.
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally
educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this during my
search for something relating to this.
Glad you liked it. Keep the healthy recipes coming.
What’s up, I read your blog daily. Your writing style is witty, keep doing what you’re doing!