Hi,
My name is Leon i am 15 years of age and I weigh about 10 stone i am fairly skinny and have been going to the gym for about month now.
I began reading a magazine with a advertisment on Protein suppliments and began to get interested in the idea in adding this to my fitness.
I told my mum about it and when to my local fitness and health store, They recommended me in using Carbohydrates to bulk up so in powder form which i take 3 times a day. Daily i eat food like potatoes and bannanas, steak etc to gain weight.
I get the idea that carbohydrates help gain weight a healthy way.
I have a breif idea on Protein suppliments helping Muscles and Tissues increase.
Seen as im using Carbohydrate suppliements to bulk up, I like the idea on Protein taking these both together would it be advisable or is it a big 'no no'
I know this is way off-topic but i just would like to know if any one could consider advise
Thanks in advance - Leon

Sorry Leon, I don't think I can help you. But, if you post this in the exercise part of the forum you might find someone who can.

Hi Leon,
I think you're on the right train of thought! In order to gain MUSCLE, you definitely want to up the amount of protein that you get daily, especially within 30 min of working out. Protein supplement shakes are a great way to do this. You can find shakes that have zero carbs which I favor, but you can also find shakes that have low carbs too. The latter may work for you so you won't have to waste money on 2 different shakes. Another thing to consider is if you also increase the amt of carbs that you take daily, it may cause you to gain fat instead of the muscle that you want. I'd keep it zero or no carbs on the shakes. If you feel more tired then up the amt of carbs you eat through eating some fruits right after you get done working out.

hope this helps,
Leon, good luck with the MUSCLE gain!!

Leon - you can find some good information on building muscle on bodybuilding websites - just don't get caught up in thinking you need special supplements etc. You're in a prime growth period in your life.

1) It's important to have enough calories, without them you won't grow.

2) Work out! At your age you probably don't have to be pumping iron, and I don't know what your exercise regimen is, but you should at least have an intense program of pushups, chinups, squats, sprints, and any other caslisthenics or bodyweight exercises you care to try. Too easy? Do handstand pushups, one leg squats and one arm pullups. When you're done working out EAT. Eat a balance of carbs, protein and fat.

Get an adequate amount of carbs through: oatmeal, rice, whole grains, potatoes etc. rather than on white junk food and juice and cokes. Eat your protein and make sure the fat you're getting is from good sources - like meat, butter, fish, olive and safflower oils (for example) rather than from fried foods. How much of your meals are you doing for yourself? Most people don't have a problem finding carbs in their life, but if you feel like mealtime you're not being served enough protein (you dont' have to go overboard with the protein, just make sure you're not having a meal that is pure starch and fat) grab yourself a hard boiled egg, or have a glass of milk or a protein shake.

It shouldn't be too complicated at your age. You have what it takes to build muscle. Exercise and eat.. try to keep it healthy and you will grow. Post again if you have any more questions!

Take care,
Meg