Hardgainers do they really exist???

[xxxl83]

I recently read a post and the topic of being a "Hardgainer" came up.
I personally don't believe so called "Hardgainers" exist. IMO a "Hardgainer" is someone who isn't really trying to gain weight. Just because you go to the gym and workout then go home and drink a protein shake doesn't mean you're really trying to gain weight. If you weigh 200lbs and want to weigh 220lbs you have to eat like a 220lb person eats.
Now don't get me wrong I do believe some people gain easier than others do but, I think too many people fall back on the "Hardgainer" excuse. If most "Hardgainers" ate (and sometimes it may mean force feeding themselves) with the same discipline that so many use to "cut up" I think they would reach their goals with out problem.
You never hear a dedicateted B.B.er saying "I just can't seem to lose the weight" before a contest. Yet we seem to be O.K. with the opposite when people don't put on size.
If your doing all the right things in the gym and getting enough rest and most "hardgainers" claim they are then they aren't consuming enough calories.
YOU MUST EAT BIG TO GET BIG!!!

I'd like to hear your opinions.

[D3m3nt3d]

im a hardgainer =\

[Mr. Fina]

Bro genetics can be a bitch.

[xxxl83]

Are you really a Hardgainer? Have you really tried?
Simple equation consume more calories than you burn = Gain
consume less Calories than you burn = lose

[D3m3nt3d]

Bro..i stacked 26lbs of mass on in less than a yr..but i have a sky high metabolism and i lose weight quickly..so in a sense, i gained quick but i lose quicker

[xxxl83]

Hell 26lbs in one year that's outstanding. Even if you lost half of that and maintained 13 quality lbs I wouldn't exactly call that a "Hardgainer"
Also- Do you train legs? If so do you squat?
Do you use compound movements?
Do you use free weights over machines?
Do you eat enough
Do you rest enough
If you answer no to any of those questions you may have to evaluate your routine.
Would you buy honestly buy the "I can't diet down" excuse?
I'm not going to say you're not a "Hardgainer" but are you really doing everything you can? 4 snickers bars a day is an extra 1000 calories and if your trying to put on muscle over feeding is better than under feeding.

[Kid Shred]

I'm a Hardgainer Ectomorph , and I think the terms exists for good reason.

[Kid Shred]

Originally posted by xxxl83
Hell 26lbs in one year that's outstanding. Even if you lost half of that and maintained 13 quality lbs I wouldn't exactly call that a "Hardgainer"
Also- Do you train legs? If so do you squat?
Do you use compound movements?
Do you use free weights over machines?
Do you eat enough
Do you rest enough
If you answer no to any of those questions you may have to evaluate your routine.
Would you buy honestly buy the "I can't diet down" excuse?
I'm not going to say you're not a "Hardgainer" but are you really doing everything you can? 4 snickers bars a day is an extra 1000 calories and if your trying to put on muscle over feeding is better than under feeding.

I definately would not advise the 4 snickers Bar a day regimen.

[D3m3nt3d]

yea i stick to my complex carbs, protein shakes, and my chicken breasts

[Kid Shred]

Originally posted by D3m3nt3d
yea i stick to my complex carbs, protein shakes, and my chicken breasts

hell ya.

[broncojosh]

I don't think I really qualify as a "hard gainer" but I have friends that bust ass, and eat well, and gains come very slow...

[Redneck]

5'9 never broke 165. Yes I do everything right. Yes I force feed myself. Yes I use supplements. No I don't do cardio. No I don't over train. No I don't do abb workouts. Yes I stay ripped with a six pack. Yes I am a hardgainer and we do exist

[jony1977]

Well, I am a hardgainer, and really have to force myself to eat as much as I need to, and when I stop eating, I lose weight REALLY quickly. I am eating all the time, and for the first couple of months it was ok, now it sucks, but I can´t complain I gained in 2 years almost 30 pounds, but I know that as soon as I stop eating I will get back to my original weight in 10 months or less. I talk to people and they tell me: "....You are so lucky, you can eat all you want....", well I dont feel that lucky...

[cnyce89]

BUMP!!! For all of us HArdgainers out there....
screw everyone that can eat a peice of steak or a chicken breast and gain 15 pounds...WE ENVY YOU~!

[eradikate]

im a hardgainer myself. Im weighing finally 160 now(thanx dbols), but i would never gain weight. I did gain 20-25lbs in like 3 months, and kept all of it so far. But i do lose weight really quick. If i didn't goto the gym for 2 weeks i would probaby lose about 10 lbs. Thats me

[NightOp]

carefull what you wish for... I know many guys that can gain easily, but would love to have your hardgainer metabolism. Of course genetics is a big factor here... you can have a guy with a really fast metabolism and not be a hardgainer because he has the genetics to be big naturally.

[foreverblast1]

i don't think classifying yourself as a hardgainer does anything to help with the situation.. it's a pity term... I believe everyone on this board is pretty close in genetic potential with the exception of a very few...

Realizing it takes more efforts to gain weight than others is a good thing, but dwelling on it isn't... THe only reason that fact needs to be known is so you can take proper steps to combat it..

I see some people have retorted to force feeding and still claim they can't gain weight... well, u ain't force feeding yourself enough.. it's comparable to a fat person saying he's tried every diet under the sun and can't lose weight... It's simply a calorie issue.. eat more than you can burn, and u gain... eat less than u burn, and u lose... How many calories this takes is dependent upon the individual but I highly doubt anyone on earth would have problem eatting more than they can burn if they really really tried to stuff themselves every 2 hours...

And as far as the people who say they lose weight quickly with a 2 week layoff from the gym... I think everyone is the same way with the exception of a very few... I don't think that's a sign of a hardgainer..

john

[xxxl83]

Good post foreverblast1

any other opinions?

[Kid Shred]

If you're not a Hardgainer, you'll just never know.

[5minsforfighting]

Im a hargainer myself and its a bitch to gain weight. Problem is a play a sport where you need extensive cardo to keep up. I can only make real good gains on the off season when im not on the ice as much. I cut my cardo and eat right. Yes we do exist, and yes I believe genetics has a shit load to do with it.

[Kid Shred]

LONG LIVE HARDGAINERS!!!!!!!!

[seeker]

Just because you can't understand how a hargainer can exist doesn't mean they don't exist. Some people's body just won't let them gain weight easily while others gain weight too easily.

[flex321]

Originally posted by Redneck
5'9 never broke 165. Yes I do everything right. Yes I force feed myself. Yes I use supplements. No I don't do cardio. No I don't over train. No I don't do abb workouts. Yes I stay ripped with a six pack. Yes I am a hardgainer and we do exist

don't forget your a filty Redneck also j/k bro.

[foreverblast1]

Originally posted by seeker
Just because you can't understand how a hargainer can exist doesn't mean they don't exist. Some people's body just won't let them gain weight easily while others gain weight too easily.

yes you are right they do exist.. but classifying yourself that way helps u how? if by realizing that you change your diet and training accordingly, then all the more power to u.. if you classify yourself as such to justify terrible gains i don't think that's necessary..


and no, this post is not directed toward u, it's just a thought in general... There are very few true mesomorphs, but plenty of good bodies, some people must be doing great jobs conquering genetic limitations..

john

[foreverblast1]

Originally posted by 5minsforfighting
Im a hargainer myself and its a bitch to gain weight. Problem is a play a sport where you need extensive cardo to keep up. I can only make real good gains on the off season when im not on the ice as much. I cut my cardo and eat right. Yes we do exist, and yes I believe genetics has a shit load to do with it.

um sorry bro but I would hardly call u a hard gainer if by cutting back cardio and eatting right you make "real good gains in the off season"...

you play a sport that burns a lot of calories off and some of your muscles go with that... It's like a marathoner talking about he's a hardgainer cuz he can't put on weight when he training for marathons..

[tyler D]

HARDGAINER HERE I FEEL ALL OF YOU

[eradikate]

hardgainers to exist. Im korean/japanese and we asians are small framed skinny people. Asian kids look at me and say im jacked, but in my eyes im no where near that word. I gained 20lbs rpetty easily but i started to peak. I upped the calories more and still peaked. No matter how much mcdonalds and taco bell i consume i still stay ripped and i never ever do cardio. This makes me a hardgainer don't it?

[Kid Shred]

Originally posted by foreverblast1
i don't think classifying yourself as a hardgainer does anything to help with the situation.. it's a pity term... I believe everyone on this board is pretty close in genetic potential with the exception of a very few...


john

WTF?!!
What type of nonsense is that? You're saying that the term "hardgainer" is a pity term and an excuse for those that have trouble puttin' on size & relative girth? You're right , it's all a big conspiracy, we don't exist, Exercise Physiologists,M.D.'s of Sports Medicine, and legions of trainers all across the world have been pulling a fast one on us. We have you to thank for this. There is no Spoon.

[Kid Shred]

The Three Body Types: what are they?

In the 1940s, William H. Sheldon introduced his theory of Somatypes in two major works, The Varieties of Human Physique (1940) and The Varieties of Human Temperament: A Psychology of constitutional Differences (1941). His theory proposed three basic body types and associated them with a sets of personality characteristics. Today, Sheldon's description of three body types has become central to much of the literature in weight loss, exercise and body-building. This system defines three distinct categories of human bodies: the endomorph, characterized by a preponderance of bodyfat; the mesomorph, marked by a well-developed musculature; and the ectomorph, distinguished by a lack of either much fat or muscle tissue. These differences were, of course, not exact in every body, and individuals can rate themselves for the three dimensions of body type they posses.

The three body types are described below.

ECTOMORPH
thin
flat chest
delicate build
young appearance
tall
lightly muscled
stoop-shouldered
large brain
Has trouble gaining weight. ****************(Hargainer,hint,hint)
Muscle growth takes longer. ****************(Hardgainer,hint,hint)

MESOMORPH
hard, muscular body
overly mature appearance
rectangular shaped
thick skin
upright posture
gains or loses weight easily
grows muscle quickly.

ENDOMORPH
soft body
underdeveloped muscles
round shaped
over-developed digestive system
trouble losing weight
generally gains muscle easily.





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©1996 Hotnew Products and the Fitness Zone
All rights reserved

[Kid Shred]

Article By Tom Vento,Bodybuilder,Trainer,Nutritionist.
From About Bodybuilding.Com



New York City - "Battle Your Biology? Fat Chance," proclaims a headline in the health section of the "July 11th New York Post. Quoting new research and citing psychologists, dietitians and physicians, the article says that more and more evidence proves that your weight is genetically determined, and if you're fat, "it's not your fault." "We've known for a while that genes - more than environment and behavior - explain obesity" argues Dr. James Rosen, an eating disorder specialist and professor at the University of Vermont. While genetics are definitely a factor, believing you are destined to be overweight for life because you've inherited "fat genes" is the most disempowering and self-defeating attitude you could ever adopt. The only way you’ll lose weight permanently is to accept total responsibility for yourself and acknowledge the fact that you have the power to change, regardless what mother nature has given you to work with.

There's no denying that heredity plays a major role in how difficult it will be for you to lose fat. You inherited a body type, a predetermined number of fat cells, a metabolic rate and body chemistry just as you inherited your eye color and hair color. In the 1930's, Harvard psychologist Dr. William H. Sheldon developed a classification system for these different body types called "somatotyping." While there are no absolutes, Sheldon identified three basic somatotypes: ectomorphs, mesomorphs and endomorphs. Ectomorphs are the lean, lanky types. They are usually very thin and bony, with fast metabolisms and extremely low body fat. An ectomorph can eat like a horse without gaining an ounce. Mesomorphs are the "genetically gifted." They are lean, muscular and naturally athletic. Mesomorphs lose fat and gain muscle with ease. Endomorphs are the "fat retainers." Characterized by round features, excess body fat and large joints ("big bones"), endomorphs usually have great difficulty in losing body fat. They have slow metabolisms, they are often carbohydrate sensitive, they gain fat quickly if they eat poorly or don't exercise, and they lose fat slowly - even on a healthy diet.

The tendency of endomorphs to store fat easily can be partly attributed to metabolic problems. For example, endomorphs often metabolize carbohydrates inefficiently. Normal people can eat lots of carbohydrates - up to 60% of their total calories - and they still stay lean. Endomorphs produce too much insulin when they eat carbohydrates and this leads to increased fat storage and difficulty in losing existing fat. This condition is known as "insulin resistance" or "Syndrome X."

Ectomorphs are the lean, lanky types. They are usually very thin and bony, with fast metabolisms and extremely low body fat. An ectomorph can eat like a horse without gaining an ounce.

[superbeast]

Yes there are hardgainers but at the same time it is just an excuse. Most guys make that claim and they have no idea what it takes to put weight on. I use to say that I was. Now, I know it just takes a lot of work. When I bulk, I consume 6500-7000 calories a day. I even set my alarm and get up to eat in the middle of the night. I don't want my body to be in a catabolic state. I eat when I'm full, it doesn't matter. I know I have to get that much food down and I do. I would guarantee most of you guys who make the claim, just don't have the dedication and commitment to eat the way you need to so you can put on muscle mass.

Just a note: Jay Cutler eats 8000 to 10000 calories a day in the offseason. Try and do that!

[eradikate]

how could you possibly eat 10000 calories a day?? it's hard to consume 3500, and 10000 almost tripling that. I almost throw up everyday trying to consume 3500 and 10000 sounds way too ridiculous to me

[BigD]

Well I'm not an ectomorph at all, and sometimes I don’t know if I feel lucky that i'm not or if i'm envious of you that are.

I for one hate dieting, all I ever do is diet and cardio and i still remain a fatass, everyone I see seems to be under 15% bf, and I cant get under 20% i'm more like 25%. I think I would love the challenge of eating all the damn time, not having to calculate every meal down to the gram. I for one am a endomorph however I do not easly gain muscle. It seems I gain muscle like an ectomorph. Maybe it's because my dad couldn't put on a pound to save his life and I have a little of that in my jeans.

Again I dont know because I have never been an ectomorph but I see it as your main goal is to put on the pounds. Where as me I have to take off all the fat and put on the pounds at the same time. I calculate my meals out and do cardio twice a day and watch myself stay fat. I also watch my friends eat out all the time, eat whatever they want and typically avoid the treadmill yet remain thin. Maybe it would be different if I had huge amounts of muscle but carried a lot of fat as well but I dont. I consider myself a hardgainer in the muscle department. I am just at the conclusion I have no clue what i'm doing at all and am doing everything wrong. But I keep going cause I know on day I will get there.

Anyways I dont know the point of this post is other than to give my thoughts.

[Kid Shred]

Originally posted by superbeast
Yes there are hardgainers but at the same time it is just an excuse. Most guys make that claim and they have no idea what it takes to put weight on. I use to say that I was. Now, I know it just takes a lot of work. When I bulk, I consume 6500-7000 calories a day. I even set my alarm and get up to eat in the middle of the night. I don't want my body to be in a catabolic state. I eat when I'm full, it doesn't matter. I know I have to get that much food down and I do. I would guarantee most of you guys who make the claim, just don't have the dedication and commitment to eat the way you need to so you can put on muscle mass.

Just a note: Jay Cutler eats 8000 to 10000 calories a day in the offseason. Try and do that!

I disagree, most people who have identified themselves as hardgainers then realize what it is thay have to do or not do as may be the case.My offseason calories are right up there with yours SB and I was at 6 ft 210 at no more than 8%, compared to contest weigh in at 188 lbs after my water was dropped.That's nothing for a 6 month offseason cardio-free. Granted I started at 150 lbs. at the same height 10 years ago, but the road has been long, hard, and at slow pace,8-10 lbs a year................hence the term Hardgainer.

[foreverblast1]

Originally posted by Kid Shred

WTF?!!
What type of nonsense is that? You're saying that the term "hardgainer" is a pity term and an excuse for those that have trouble puttin' on size & relative girth? You're right , it's all a big conspiracy, we don't exist, Exercise Physiologists,M.D.'s of Sports Medicine, and legions of trainers all across the world have been pulling a fast one on us. We have you to thank for this. There is no Spoon.

dude before you start flaming do you actually read all my posts? I could have sworn there is another post of mine under the one you are bitching about that clearly stated "HARDGAINERS DO EXIST"

[foreverblast1]

Originally posted by eradikate
how could you possibly eat 10000 calories a day?? it's hard to consume 3500, and 10000 almost tripling that. I almost throw up everyday trying to consume 3500 and 10000 sounds way too ridiculous to me

where there is a will, there is a way... what's eatting 10,000 calories compared to benching 350? Once I thought the latter a hell lot more impossible than the first.. Now it's nothing..

If you are a hardgainer find a way around it.. Note yourself as such, but move on quickly... I was a hardgainer at one point... but so what... what's the big deal.. everyone has to do thru something to get to where they want to be.. dwelling on it solves absolutely zero problems

[superbeast]

Originally posted by Kid Shred


I disagree, most people who have identified themselves as hardgainers then realize what it is thay have to do or not do as may be the case.My offseason calories are right up there with yours SB and I was at 6 ft 210 at no more than 8%, compared to contest weigh in at 188 lbs after my water was dropped.That's nothing for a 6 month offseason cardio-free. Granted I started at 150 lbs. at the same height 10 years ago, but the road has been long, hard, and at slow pace,8-10 lbs a year................hence the term Hardgainer.

I hate to tell to tell you this, but 10 lbs of quality muscle that you keep in a year, is pretty good. I wouldn't call that a hardgainer. Maybe that is the problem, everybody thinks they just snap their fingers and get big. It doesn't work that way. Imagine if Ronnie Coleman put on 10 lbs of muscle every year when he competes for the Olympia. He'd be 350 lbs and shredded by now. Let's be realistic about our goals and what the body is capable of.

[foreverblast1]

no way in hell 10 lbs a year makes anyone a hard gainer... I barely put that much on each year and I appreciate every ounce of new muscle I put on... patience is key, and I'm only 21... 4 years and 45lbs later, I've only managed to put on 11 lbs a year... hard gainer? no... more like hard worker

[jamotech]

Its a simple fact that my body will turn food into shit before it can process and utilize the calories and proteins. I really think i could eat pure fat and sit on my ass all day and not gain a pound. Metabolism is harder to overcome than genetics.

[foreverblast1]

Originally posted by jamotech
Its a simple fact that my body will turn food into shit before it can process and utilize the calories and proteins. I really think i could eat pure fat and sit on my ass all day and not gain a pound. Metabolism is harder to overcome than genetics.

if u REALLY can eat fat all day and sit on your ass and not gain a lb, then I guess yeah, u a hardgainer aite... so what u gonna do about that? workout and eat like there is no tomorrow or accept you a hardgainer and that's it?


and one more thing, metabolism IS part of genetics.. sorry to burst that bubble