I found out while in college the importance of knowing "how" to lift weights to get the maximum out of working out with weights. That was the only missing link I found I had, that and getting the 200-300 grams of protein in my diet everyday (for us ectomorphs it doesn't much matter how much fat we ate, because it wouldn't stick to our bones anyway!) At the same time I was finding out "how" to lift weights, through the help of some of my football teammates, and coaches before the season started, I began taking my protein shakes, and a supplement called Hot Stuff. I put on over twenty pounds that year, but I worked out hard for it. I take full credit for my achievements and I have come to a conclusion that it is a good lifting program, (designed by a professional that can pinpoint your body type) a high protein, and at least 2500-3000 calories per day diet, with most importantly: a dedicated, self disciplined and goal oriented individual who can stick with it for at least 3 to 6 weeks to see the gains. At that point it's easy because once you see what your body can do with the training you give it, along with a high calorie diet, there's no stopping you. At that point I would have busted the gym door down to get in there and lift. All I could think about was getting even bigger!
Now I'm 26 years old 6'3" and 207 lbs. Before I only had about 5% body fat at 200lbs., now it's gone to about 9%. Gaining muscle is much harder now, but I've been taking creatine by prolab for the passed couple of years (b/c it was somewhat cheaper) and I have noticed that although my overall mass has not increased to any extent, my strength has! It's really strange, when I have been on the creatine it seems that the pain felt on those last reps just isn't there. Therefore you don't notice the hurt as much, and staying in the gym and doing a couple more sets isn't much of a problem.
So, for all us ectomorphs out there, although we may never be those massive monstrous professional bodybuilders, we can look extremely good. Without much fat, the muscles you build can be big, ripped, and gratifying to ourselves, and envied by our peers. Trust me, I was not even recognized by many my first year back from college!
Remember these important tips:
1)KNOW HOW
2)DIET (PROTEIN INTAKE; 5-6 meals throughout day- _(GRAZE)
3)SELF DISCIPLINE; GOAL ORIENTED; PATIENCE (make it 4-6 weeks!!)
4)CREATINE (drink plenty of water to filter out your system) DON"T LOAD
UP! I BELIEVE AS DO MANY THAT IT IS A SCAM TO LOAD UP; TESTS HAVE BEEN
DONE TO PROVE THIS LOADING UP PHASE IS A WASTE OF A LOT OF YOUR MONEY!
GOOD LUCK!!!!