I plan to follow Schteevie's (sticky) guide to bulking.

I think i'm an ectomorph, No matter how much I eat, I dont seem to gain any weight. I'm about 125 lbs, 6'0.

I am not quite sure how to calculate my caloric intake, because i do not know what bf % I am. Also, I'm not sure on things such as how much protein a pound of chicken, or beef has. Things like that.

Some things that I have to work out with are the floor and the I-beam in my basement (for pullups). I was wondering what types of exercises I should do with free weights. The main problem with free weights Is that it seems that it is not too uncommon for a 5% gain in lifting per week. That means that it would be necessary to keep buying new weights, which seems to defeat the purpose of buying the weights in the first place (to save money versus the gym).

I was thinking that maybe resistance (surgical tubing) may be able to accommodate the extra five percent or so per week...

Another thing I am unsure of is in that guide, it says that the target amount of time to train for is approx. 1 hour- I dont see how i could spend that long doing 3 sets of 6-8 reps.

I was supposed to start working out a while ago, and the thing that seemed to prevent me was deciding between working out at home or getting a gym membership. I don't want to do this again.


I'm tired, and so i'm probably leaving something out as a result of being tired, and not really organizing this post... But I really would like to start gaining some weight =)

As usual, responses are much appreciated!

I think i'm an ectomorph, No matter how much I eat, I dont seem to gain any weight. I'm about 125 lbs, 6'0... I am not quite sure how to calculate my caloric intake, because i do not know what bf % I am. Also, I'm not sure on things such as how much protein a pound of chicken, or beef has. Things like that.

There is the answer. You aren't eating enough. I don't care how much you think you are eating, you aren't. Not knowing how much is in a pound of chicken is no excuse. You have an internet connection and that kind of information is available all over the place.

Check your bodyfat here... http://www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/home-body-fat-test-2774-143.html

Look up foods here... http://www.calorie-count.com/

Some things that I have to work out with are the floor and the I-beam in my basement (for pullups). I was wondering what types of exercises I should do with free weights. The main problem with free weights Is that it seems that it is not too uncommon for a 5% gain in lifting per week. That means that it would be necessary to keep buying new weights, which seems to defeat the purpose of buying the weights in the first place (to save money versus the gym)... I was thinking that maybe resistance (surgical tubing) may be able to accommodate the extra five percent or so per week...

No, surgical tubing is not the answer. Go find a barbell and some plates at a garage sale or something. With that and a pullup bar you can do deadlifts, cleans, front-squats, overhead press, curls, and get very strong in the process. Plates of iron are not expensive, they'll last you a lifetime, and when the time comes to buy more you'll be thrilled.

Another thing I am unsure of is in that guide, it says that the target amount of time to train for is approx. 1 hour- I dont see how i could spend that long doing 3 sets of 6-8 reps.

I wouldn't worry about not working out for an hour. My workouts rarely last that long. Just lift hard and heavy with the exercises I listed above and don't worry how long it takes.

Tim