Health Journey of a Teenage Beginner with 5X5 Training Program

Introduction

The internet is filled with various stories, tips, and anecdotes about fitness and weight gain. However, nothing beats learning from an individual's personal journey, especially for beginners who are struggling with starting or plateauing. In this article, we will look at one 18-year-old Reddit user's experience in gaining weight healthily and sustainably, amidst various life constraints.

Gains in weight and strength building

The user, who goes by the username gainzthrow, started with 160lbs and gained around 14lbs over a span of 3 months using the ICF 5x5 training program. With rigorous discipline, hard work, and enthusiasm, he improves his bench press from 140lbs to 175lbs; squats from 175lbs to 175lbs; and deadlifts from 200lbs to 200lbs, over ten reps each, respectively.

Building a Home Gym

The user also shared a picture of the home gym he built to make the weights work for him, particularly given his time constraints from medical school. According to the user, the gym cost around $500-$600 New Zealand Dollars, with prices varying from country to country. Many users interested in DIY gym building appreciated this thread and expressed interests in following suit.

The Importance of Efficient Time Management

The user acknowledged the importance of efficient time management in building and maintaining gains. Hence, he used his Anki flashcards while doing his sets. Such insight is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling to find the time to incorporate physical activity into their busy schedules.

Points of Encouragement and Advice from the Community

The community rallied behind this user with helpful tips, including sticking to the ICF 5x5 program, trying out different programs like Greyskull after plateauing, and ignoring the 'natty police' that questions the user's natural weight gains. The community also continues to encourage and acknowledge the user's progress in his remarkable journey.