u/UhWizardly

6’0 M, 22yo

I started weight training 9 months ago as a complete newbie, as in, I never lifted a dumbbell before. I got a simple routine online as an ABA-BAB rotation that I’ve followed since. I was 140lbs when I started, and now I’m 165.

I’ve definitely gained muscle and gotten stronger, but absolutely I’m a bit fluffy, I’d even say I look skinny fat. I 100% get enough protein, but probably too many calories as you might imagine.

I’m not exactly sure where to go from here, I should add I train at home with dumbbells, body weight, and an adjustable bench only, and soon I’d like to add a pull-up bar.

Should I get a more proven routine, perhaps one linked from this sub? Obviously I need to dial in calories, which I’ve only recently been focusing more on. I guess I just feel disheartened I went from skeletal, to somewhat skinny/skinny-fat with 8-12 lbs of muscle underneath.

Appreciate any advice, thank you for your time.

6’0 M, 22yo

I started weight training 9 months ago as a complete newbie, as in, I never lifted a dumbbell before. I got a simple routine online as an ABA-BAB rotation that I’ve followed since. I was 140lbs when I started, and now I’m 165.

I’ve definitely gained muscle and gotten stronger, but absolutely I’m a bit fluffy, I’d even say I look skinny fat. I 100% get enough protein, but probably too many calories as you might imagine.

I’m not exactly sure where to go from here, I should add I train at home with dumbbells, body weight, and an adjustable bench only, and soon I’d like to add a pull-up bar.

Should I get a more proven routine, perhaps one linked from this sub? Obviously I need to dial in calories, which I’ve only recently been focusing more on. I guess I just feel disheartened I went from skeletal, to somewhat skinny/skinny-fat with 8-12 lbs of muscle underneath.

Appreciate any advice, thank you for your time.

Call me discouraged I guess. I just don’t really know what to say about it. I see pics here on Reddit of guys who say they lifted for a year and they are ripped with 3D delts and an 8-pack. Or 2 year progress posts where they look like Greek statues.

Like, actual question, am I screwing up that badly? I was at 140lbs (6 foot) nine months ago, now I’m at 165. I couldn’t even do a single push-up. Even still, I’ve had friends get surprised when I say I’ve been lifting.

This is a genuine question too. How can I tell if I’m making normal progress? I’d assume many online are on gear, but all I can find are these insane transformations, surely some must be telling the truth that they‘re natural then? I feel lost.