How long did it take you to find out the three keys to strength/muscle gain?

[supersizeme]

it took me 6 months to figure out that leg extensions weren't making my legs grow

it took me 1 year to discover deadlifts and finally my arms grew

it took about 6 months to figure out that a protein shake mixed with water does not count as a meal and will not add size(neglecting carbs thinking protein is all you need)

 

[Alucard]

Before I ever lifted a weight.

As for sleep, it only happens when it decides to happen.

 

[fastgain]

About 1 week....thanks to this board.


mmmm....deads and squats and steaks, i'm getting huge fast.

 

[Zander1983]

Three years.

 

[sinjinsmythe33]

figured it out recently

sleep is very important. i am always stronger on the weekends, when i get more rest. nutrition is up and down with me, trying to get my vitamins, protein and stay away from the junk food. the latter is a bitch.

 

[JollyRogers]

I do low reps now that I know I have a 80/20 ratio for slow twitch, and eating 5-8 times a day (mostly meat), like to be lean somewhat, I keep carbs moderate, helps gain weight, but be lean as well, I try to drink allot of juice and water when I can, I like to stretch allot too, helps my muscles stay loose and relaxed, I also like vitamin C, great for the skin.


I started lifting in 98-99 when I was in high school after that I stopped, then in 02 I went back at it for 6 months, then I got all frustrated and gave it up, now again am at it once more, this time for good, I’m in better shape now then I was back then, thanks to this board, great ideas, great people, this place is full of knowledge, the power of information is great!

 

[Backlash]

Lifting is the easiest one to figure out, for the most part. (although I never realized how important squats were until a month ago ).

Took my like 4 years to figure out the eating.

 

[IronLion]

I knew how to kill myself in the gym and i knew that I needed 8 hours plus from the start, but...........I spent way too much time with a six pack thinking that I was going to grow at 8%, well I did but very slowly and only because I was 18 and in the perfect phase of life to be gaining. My advice to everyone who aspires to be "stout" and ripped: get to the stout first, unless you want to be that gym rat with the six pack that works out every day and gains 10 ounces a year.

 

[SAGAT]

i got nr 2 and 3 down from the beginning (quite a few years ago) but nr 1 i discovered through these boards. a damn shame 'cause i feel i would have progressed a lot more had i known it from the beginning.

 

[gopanthers]

Thats why I use tylonol pms to get me to sleep