I know that weights are better than cardio, but cardio has major benefits for me that I can't ignore. Stress melts off, and I feel much more clear minded + focused with regular cardio. It also seems to keep my metabolism really high. I'm in my late 30s and eat like a teenager (in quantity of food) while staying lean with decent muscle mass.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28365296/
Is this, along with diet, sufficient to put on weight? I really need to gain 50 or so pounds at least and have never been able to do so. Even my brother, who routinely works out now is still pretty thin for his height. I've had a lot of people tell me you have to go to a gym for the equipment programs, but I'm not sure as it seems everyone tries to sell you something.
And of course, the diet, which has been the most challenging for me. I have a hard time eating a lot of healthy calories. It's just too much food :P! I read some recommendations on drinking a lot of milk, but I guess we all have have a limit of lactose we can handle [citation needed], and it did not go well.
Anyway, I am trying to make it into a habit/hobby, studying my body and my mind, trying to find what works for me. Hope it helps.
You can't expect physique to deviate hugely from your starting point without pharmecutical assistance(which is, defacto, how all the celebs are getting their transformations, on top of extensive training and nutritional oversight), but there are a lot of easily overlooked details that do compound towards a goal over time: how often and when you eat, as well as type and quantity. How well you sleep. Stress levels.
Sometimes it really can come down to just adding another meal or finding something to graze on.
And yes, I think that applies to anorexics, too, although there, of course, the only way to gain strength or endurance and thus get healthier is to eat more and gain weight.
I also am aware that some people train in order to look strong rather than be strong, but I think that should be discouraged. I don’t know you, but given what you say about your brother, it probably is genetics, so accept you won’t ever look as strong as some others.
Certainly, if you’re as strong as somebody who weighs more, you’ll likely beat them in exercises where you need to move your body (swimming, running, cycling, mountain climbing, cross country skiing, rowing, etc)
As a fellow hardgainer, as the industry calls it, I would recommend weight training if you want to get it done within the year, but if that isn't an option yet, get started with bodyweight stuff.
No one is trying to sell you anything with general weight training, it's tried and true. Just forget the paid programs. Forget supplements, just eat well and regularly, and be mindful that you can only grow as fast as you can recover so sleep and food are just as important. If you aren't able to eat enough, you can train a bit less. It's all a balance.
Too add, while many people in are rather thin (I mentioned my brother). My father is pretty well built nowadays. Although he was also thin in his younger days, he managed to get into the Marine Corp later, so I imagine that helped.
In my humble opinion, weight is not a good indicator of anything unless it's at the very extremes. I am hesitant to post my height and weight right now because that can be taken wrongly.
I think you are being proactive in YOUR health which is good! No one knows your body more than you. I hope this helps.
Disagree. I'd recommend the opposite, do mostly weights and some cardio. You don't need to buy equipment, barbells etc., bodyweight exercises is weight/strength training.
However, both should be done! Cardio is good for your heart. But it's easy and healthy enough to maintain a good aerobic fitness just once a week. Weight training keeps you burning calories and I think strength is more practical/useful in our day to day lives, thus having a greater impact on your psyche.
Bottomline, something is better than nothing. And if you love running... go for it.