Reddit reviews Scrawny to Brawny: The Complete Guide to Building Muscle the Natural Way

It really depends on your goals. Are you looking to bulk up, slim down, get ripped, or just overall fitness?

Also, what kind of equipment do you have access to? Do you have access to a barbell, a squat rack, etc. or just a set of dumbbells?

I did one round of P90X and got in the best shape of my life. It has weights, cardio, yoga, etc. and it really is great for overall fitness without much equipment (dumbbells and a pull-up bar are all you need). While it won't bulk you up, it will rip you to shreds.

I'm currently trying a few different routines to try to pack on some muscle. I feel like I'm having great results with this book called Scrawny to Brawny. I don't have access to all that fancy equipment so I modify where I need to, but I still enjoy the results it gave.

Keep in mind though you're supposed to switch up your routine every 3-6 weeks so you don't plateau, so there isn't a single best routine.

I'm not sure how much money you are willing to spend on the information (books, programs), but keep in mind this is the internet. :cough:

Lastly, if you know what exercises work what body part you can create your own routine. Here is an Exercise & Muscle Directory that will tell you just that.

I searched r/gainit for "cookbook" (which you might do too) and came across a ref to this--not just a cookbook but has stuff about nutrition and meals:
http://www.amazon.com/Scrawny-Brawny-Complete-Building-Natural/dp/1594860882

Hah, I also just thought--Southern Living...

Found this, too: http://www.amazon.com/Bulking-Recipes-Stack-Massive-Muscle-ebook/dp/B00MQGNUU8

I used to be extremely skinny. I gained weight, but it wasn't easy. I was eating double my caloric intake in order to maintain weight.

Certainly there are options. I could have done less cardio but no amount of weight lifting would have turned all of my calories into muscle. I would have had to get a bit chubby first and then turn that fat into muscle.

Read any book that talks about the different regimes for skinny men to gain weight and it's not easy. That's all I was saying.

It can be achieved, but it's not easy.

EDIT: For anyone interested - check out the book 'Scrawny to Brawny'. This book is pretty great when it comes to explaining different body types that require different diets and regimes.

http://www.amazon.com/Scrawny-Brawny-Complete-Building-Natural/dp/1594860882

Nuff said. tells you everything you need to know. Follow it as closely as possible and you should see some pretty amazing results.

I was 6'3" 180 when I started and got up to 215 in three months just from working out and eating well…unfortunately then I hurt my shoulder and recently tore my meniscus so I haven't been able to get back into it for a bit but yeah - that program was amazing for me personally. My deadlift alone went from like…165 starting to 325.

scrawny to brawny
http://www.amazon.com/Scrawny-Brawny-Complete-Building-Natural/dp/1594860882/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405869024&sr=8-1&keywords=scrawny+to+brawny

Has programs, meals etc.. and is pretty complete. It's something like starting strength but has different exercise plans but the basics are the same. Heavy low rep compound exercises like squats, dead lifts and other power lifting moves and eating.

Its based off of when i read so much. Take a look at the book, Scrawny to Brawny. They outline exactly why you need that much. I used that book many years ago and had fantastic results. The meals are quite plain, but i'm sure if youre creative you can find ways to make the food more interesting

https://www.amazon.com/Scrawny-Brawny-Complete-Building-Natural/dp/1594860882

go to the library and get the book Scrawny to Brawny. This book is a great guide to bulking up. I read it, followed the eating and exercise guidelines and put on 25 lbs of mostly muscle in the first couple of months. It really comes down to eating a ton (which it seems you have already figured out), I used to feel sick eating as much as the book said, but I eventually got used to it.

One trick, try to eat as much for breakfast as you can. I used to eat two moderate sized meals before leaving the house each morning. It is much easier to get the calories you need when you start your day ahead of the game......good luck it is hard but well worth the effort.

My suggestion for you are these two books: Scrawny to Brawny and Starting Strength Both books will help you gain strength you never knew you had....

John Berardi's book Scrawny to Brawny would be a great book. He & his team coach hundreds of people with this program. The site has a lot of additional/supplemental info.