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The Hardgainer
Written By: Mark C. Ryan
Copyright 2-14-00
Who exactly is considered a hardgainer? Well first of all you must be into weightlifting, whether it's bodybuilding, powerlifting, etc. Ever notice that you're working out long and intense in the gym at least 3 days a week and notice that you are not getting the results you want? You may be a hardgainer... The word is very brutal in the world of weightlifting.

If you are wondering if you're a hardgainer or not there are many ways to put yourself to the test:
  • If you have no problem staying slim, it's likely to have a problem gaining muscle mass.
  • If you are not progressing at all in the gym.
  • If your workout plan doesn't work, try switching it around.
  • If you are at lack of protein or carbs for religous reasons or..
  • If you're a vegetarian.
Are there any ways to help overcome if you are a hardgainer? Of course, there are many ways! If you have a high metabolism, which is a high amount of hardgainers. You'll want to eat your meals large and 4-6 times a day. No little snacks inbetween. This will help you lower your metabolism. If you aren't progessing in the gym at all then please take a week or two off and come back hard with a new schedule! If you do the same thing over and over, week after week your body will sooner or later adapt to it. Therefore, it wont shock the muscle the same as it did before when you first started the routine. So try to switch it up every once in a while. One of the most important things to remember if you are a hardgainer is GET YOUR NUTRITION! You cannot understand how important nutrition is with weightlifting! Especially if you are very thin with a high metabolism. Then when you workout and run out of energy your body will look for fat, which it will have a problem finding so it will go straight to the muscles! Preventing you from making your best gains possible! So try to stick to a basic diet plan, plenty of carbs before you workout, and then plenty of protein after you workout.

Also if you are a hardgainer you'll want to stick around the 6-8 rep, 3 set workouts. Therefore, you will not burn off all your energy and make your workout very high in intensity. Also try to stick with basic movements, such as the deadlift, squat, bench press, military press, cleans, etc. Nothing fancy, and try to avoid machines!