Hi Guys
Just a little information of my background in training before I explain my situation..
I identify my body as an extreme ectomorph, hard gainer
Height 5ft 11 and half inches.
I have been training for almost 2 years now, most of this with a PT who is very good and has passed on a lot of knowledge to me as well assisting me so much in my progress to date. But take it back to the start of this 2 years so far, I weighed 116lb, literally no body fat and my muscle mass was border line "tiny". I was essentially eating to survive. This is where the problem was and still exists I think...I never had an appetite to eat and whenever I would eat I would be a very slow eater and often leave half of the food (Which was hardly anything) on my plate. Along side of this I am in the gym, often doing compound lifting and some isolated exercises but cannot seem to build a level of aggression/motivation to really push heavy weights and through pain barriers.
Now I weigh between 127lb-129lb. Never have I weighed more than this. Most of this weight gained is lean mass and as some of you experienced lifters may guess, I am quite lean, stood at 5ft 11 and half inches. During this time my problems with eating have continued, I just about get my meals but sometimes I lack appetite despite training. I still have motivational issues in the gym and I really do think this is because of my lack of interest in eating. With my efforts in the last 2 years being hampered by the instant demands of achieving my goals, I can say that to date I am still not happy with the progress I have made.
When I started with my PT, the food plan I received was a HUGE change. The introduction of meats, veg and carbs all having to be weighed for macros etc. 6 meals a day was was too much considering I would barely have 3 prior to this. I should have flagged this up with my PT from the start but I thought if this is what it takes then ill just get on with it. Pretty much failed from the off, never managed to get 6 meals, pre and post session supps, in between meals supps & train & hold a job. It was far too much, but I kept on trying. Now 2 years later I think this is what has come to affect me now. Knowing that if I'm not eating what was first asked of me then I won't grow.
What concerns me the most is that this has began to affect me mentally. I feel low on confidence, lack of faith in my on ability to achieve goals, stress and anxious. I've just turned 24 and those that know I train look at me and ask "you still training, you haven't gained anything?". I'm not doing this for others but simply because I'm fed up of being as small as I am. Personally speaking my genes mirror those of my father, who is smaller in height but seriously under weight and doesn't eat much at all. I see his condition at 50 years old and I do not want to be anything like that.
I make the sacrifices to achieve my goals, I don't go clubbing, I don't drink alcohol, I don't eat fast food or pizza, I sleep well and avoid late evening motives with friends to get extra hours sleep for full rest. The only fluid I drink is water and occasionally have a fizzy drink with a nandos.
In terms of physique and looks I don't know what my goals are, all I know is that the number on my scales needs to be higher than it is right now. the 2 years have been long and hard, balancing two jobs which is down to 1 full time position now. One thins for sure is that as soon as structure of my food plan is implemented by my PT I become pressured and stressed to follow it when it's so difficult with my routine at work. I'll often miss taking supplements between meals or when I get home I'm so tired I'l just want to sit there and dwell on how low I'm feeling.
Overall I believe this is about my general well being as well as increasing weight.
If anyone experienced out there can shine some light on the path I need to take myself on to help me to overcome my difficulties then I would be so grateful. Small steps to the biggest changes, both physically and mentally.
Thank you in advance and I hope this helps anybody else who is struggling as bad as I am right now
Just a little information of my background in training before I explain my situation..
I identify my body as an extreme ectomorph, hard gainer
Height 5ft 11 and half inches.
I have been training for almost 2 years now, most of this with a PT who is very good and has passed on a lot of knowledge to me as well assisting me so much in my progress to date. But take it back to the start of this 2 years so far, I weighed 116lb, literally no body fat and my muscle mass was border line "tiny". I was essentially eating to survive. This is where the problem was and still exists I think...I never had an appetite to eat and whenever I would eat I would be a very slow eater and often leave half of the food (Which was hardly anything) on my plate. Along side of this I am in the gym, often doing compound lifting and some isolated exercises but cannot seem to build a level of aggression/motivation to really push heavy weights and through pain barriers.
Now I weigh between 127lb-129lb. Never have I weighed more than this. Most of this weight gained is lean mass and as some of you experienced lifters may guess, I am quite lean, stood at 5ft 11 and half inches. During this time my problems with eating have continued, I just about get my meals but sometimes I lack appetite despite training. I still have motivational issues in the gym and I really do think this is because of my lack of interest in eating. With my efforts in the last 2 years being hampered by the instant demands of achieving my goals, I can say that to date I am still not happy with the progress I have made.
When I started with my PT, the food plan I received was a HUGE change. The introduction of meats, veg and carbs all having to be weighed for macros etc. 6 meals a day was was too much considering I would barely have 3 prior to this. I should have flagged this up with my PT from the start but I thought if this is what it takes then ill just get on with it. Pretty much failed from the off, never managed to get 6 meals, pre and post session supps, in between meals supps & train & hold a job. It was far too much, but I kept on trying. Now 2 years later I think this is what has come to affect me now. Knowing that if I'm not eating what was first asked of me then I won't grow.
What concerns me the most is that this has began to affect me mentally. I feel low on confidence, lack of faith in my on ability to achieve goals, stress and anxious. I've just turned 24 and those that know I train look at me and ask "you still training, you haven't gained anything?". I'm not doing this for others but simply because I'm fed up of being as small as I am. Personally speaking my genes mirror those of my father, who is smaller in height but seriously under weight and doesn't eat much at all. I see his condition at 50 years old and I do not want to be anything like that.
I make the sacrifices to achieve my goals, I don't go clubbing, I don't drink alcohol, I don't eat fast food or pizza, I sleep well and avoid late evening motives with friends to get extra hours sleep for full rest. The only fluid I drink is water and occasionally have a fizzy drink with a nandos.
In terms of physique and looks I don't know what my goals are, all I know is that the number on my scales needs to be higher than it is right now. the 2 years have been long and hard, balancing two jobs which is down to 1 full time position now. One thins for sure is that as soon as structure of my food plan is implemented by my PT I become pressured and stressed to follow it when it's so difficult with my routine at work. I'll often miss taking supplements between meals or when I get home I'm so tired I'l just want to sit there and dwell on how low I'm feeling.
Overall I believe this is about my general well being as well as increasing weight.
If anyone experienced out there can shine some light on the path I need to take myself on to help me to overcome my difficulties then I would be so grateful. Small steps to the biggest changes, both physically and mentally.
Thank you in advance and I hope this helps anybody else who is struggling as bad as I am right now