Adding Muscle Mass

[tomdowns]

Is there anything that can be done to add muscle mass? I know weights but I've been working out for about 1 year and I'm not seeing the results that I want. My muscle in my arms are tight but not much bigger. Is there any type of vitamin or whatever that my help add muscle mass?

[keeping on]

tomdowns, I've posted this before but here goes. A friend of mine in Pittsburgh has been paralyzed for 10 years. He is active and lifts weight sfor upper body. Never did naything for lowere body until aabout 5 months ago. He purchased a FES cycle and uses it regularly. His response to me and others is after about 10 sessions on the bike , he noticed muscle buildup and action in his legs. He always told me that he didn't think he would any shape to take advantage of any new therapy. But now, that has changed.

[Wise Young]

Originally Posted by tomdowns

Is there anything that can be done to add muscle mass? I know weights but I've been working out for about 1 year and I'm not seeing the results that I want. My muscle in my arms are tight but not much bigger. Is there any type of vitamin or whatever that my help add muscle mass?

What level are you? Wise.

[MValente81807]

What level are you? Im a C6/7. 3years post and just showing decent muscle gain in the past few months. I have a lot of shoulder and elbow pain due to over use and larger muscle domination. trigger point or shiatsu massage has helped improve pain and blood flow for sure.
I do find many problems with my pecs and biceps dominating. I try my best to activate ONLY BACK and triceps when working out or doing anything. Its not easy but think back/scapula etc first before lifting arms. use your back to try and raise your arms in a prone or bent over position. I's, Y's, T's. Use theraband to externally rotate and keep your elbows in to your sides as best you can. use a basketball or something to internally rotate. try and hold for a ten count while breathing for each exercise, rest and do only what you can. if it hurts in a bad hurt stop.

muscle milk! FES. Good diet. Shiatsu massage! Lots of stretching. minimal-0 pain killers! always squeeze your back muscles as much as possible, even while doing nothing.

hope i could help. feel free to contact me. I am not a DR or therapist just a fellow SCI.

[TomRL]

If you've never seen an FES bike, this will be of interest. It is from 2006, so it's a bit dated.

http://www.rehabpub.com/issues/articles/2006-11_11.asp

[mj23]

...........

[brian]

Originally Posted by tomdowns

Is there anything that can be done to add muscle mass?

First, personal genetics have a lot to do with how much mass you can build. I'm Asian and we don't bulk up like others can. Otherwise it comes down to routine. Make sure you're pushing yourself in terms of weight. To really bulk up you'll need enough weight so that you struggle to make six reps on your third set. Also, proper nutrition and a good multivitamin and regular sleep is important.

There are a lot of instructionals out there. YouTube is a good resource in terms of figuring out your own form and routine. A personal trainer may be able to develop a good routine based on your injury and abilities.

You probably know all this already. So I guess my advice is to keep pushing youself, make sure you get enough calories, and look around for online instructionals.

Oh, and post your routine here. That'll help us understadn what you're doing.

Good luck.

Examples:
http://www.liamrosen.com/fitness.html
http://www.youtube.com/user/scooby1961

[mr_coffee]

brian has a point, some people just arn't built for muscle. I myself am the same way, the muscle I do have isn't big, but its defined. My brother on the other hand doesn't have to touch a weight and is very muscular but not defined just big.

[mj23]

Originally Posted by Wise Young

What level are you? Wise.

Would me being C-5 C-6 fused with C-4 brown sequard SCI have to do with me not being able to build muscle on my left side (badside)so fast? I was always a thin person but I was getting cut before my injury.
I mean my muscle gets tighter with a lil bit of size but not really any bigger. It grows but very slowly. Maybe since I havent been keeping up with working out, thats prob why I'm not seeing the results i want

[lopez787]

im gaining with alot of workout and protein, i was 190 before accident . droppped down to 123 after and im 155 now. it just takes time bro.