sebastianmaclean

Hi,

I have been lifting weights for a few years now (im 31), however i did alot of endurance style stuff light weights, running etc since Nov 08 i have dropped that due to knee probs, and have embarked on the heavier weights as i want to compete in figure competition.
I am finding it a real struggle to put on the muscle i have an ectomorph build and tend to over train and get exhausted! i used to do a 6 day split , then a 5 day one. And now because of injuries i will have to go down to 4 days. Is it true that if i lift heavier weights less times a week my muscles will grow? They grow whilst im in the gym but deflate later on. I have a pretty good clean diet apart from the odd treat.
I also reach my platues and get very frustrated but i am really motivated and determined.
What can u tell me about the mind to muscle connection as i have previously had hard time firing up my glutes (which caused knee problems), also i find it hard to get all the muscles balanced right, as at the moment my anterior part of my shoulder is weak and i am doing physio for that as i couldnt lift my arm up!
Sorry about all the questions etc, but i find alot of information everywhere contradictory also everyones bodies are different.
Louise

Hi Louise,

I'm just checking in with all my mail after a very long time away.

I'm not sure how long you are spending in the gym during workouts, but you should make sure you don't exceed an hour per workout. Some of your problems may be related to over training, if you are working out longer than this.

Also, it is true that you grow when you are resting from your workouts. The training actually damages muscle slightly and your body's growth response is how it repairs the damage. The inflated muscles you have during your training comes from blood flow increasing in the effected muscles groups, but that is not actual muscle tissue growth. That comes during your resting period.

Good luck,
Sebastian