Beef and guns

March 20, 2005 6:31 AM

I am: vegan, mildy exercise-induced asthmatic, non-car owning & often-biking, slightly scoliotic (not visibly, but there's back pain here and there), have virtually no access to exercise equipment other than a set of ancient free weights, weight bench, and mat, without much money. I desire hulking guns and beefiness all over.

It's high time I started exercising. I look sturdy, I'm not noticeably plush, and I've been told by various people that a larger upper body would complement me nicely (these are not understatements/I am not a pear/I am however vain). Since I don't eat meat, protein intake can be a problem. I tried a regimen recommended by the dude at the health club a few eyars ago and it made me lose muscle. Another issue is that with my back and lungs the way they are, I'm limited in how XTREEM I can make my exercise. Neither are a problem so long as I'm not moving especially fast for long periods of time or lifting three times my own body weight. I'm looking to accomplish mainly more toned legs, bigger shoulders & chest (without losing too much fat in that area), and a tighter jawline (I hear face exercise exists?). There's a Mr. Universe in all of us (with steroids, even the ladies). Help me make mine visible.

posted by saysthis to health (11 comments total)

Soy protein is your new friend. Wheat gluten protein, too. And beans. Lots of beans.
Your diet restrictions make a low-carb diet a little tricky to pull off, but rumor has it that's the best way to lose a double chin and facial puffiness (AKA carb face); I can't say for certain, though, I'm fat as hell.
posted by willpie at 7:09 AM on March 20, 2005

With regards to exercise you might want to check out this previous thread. I particularily liked the burpee suggestion and it might work for you, depending how bad your asthma is.
posted by Cuke at 8:02 AM on March 20, 2005

My ex was vegan, and went from very out of shape to having a muscular appearance. From what I recall of his routine (this was several years ago), he was bulking up on carbs for two weeks while doing aerobic-type exercises, and then for the next two weeks he would eat pretty much only protein (including soy protein shakes), take creatine, and do muscle-building exercises like lifting weights. Then the two weeks of carbs again, etc. It really worked for him, and did not take that long to show the effects.

One thing he found was that he had to trick his body, if it became too used to that routine, by altering how long he was doing each cycle of the carbs or protein diet. I think the idea was to put the carbs into his body, and then use the protein and muscle-building exercises to convert it to muscle.

I want you to know that it is possible, as a vegan, to build lots of muscle, because I have seen it done, with my ex. Be warned though, that any lady friends may be annoyed during the two-week no-carbs periods if you have no junk food in the house (that was my only complaint with the process). Good luck.
posted by veronitron at 8:17 AM on March 20, 2005

Oh. I should say (perhaps obviously) to check with your doctor before starting any new routine, since there are several factors you stated in your post that will affect your health. I don't want to tell you to do something that worked for my ex but would be harmful for you. (/disclaimer)
posted by veronitron at 8:18 AM on March 20, 2005

You might check into a routine of Hindu pushups, Hindu squats, and bridges. Google around, and have fun.
posted by Shane at 8:34 AM on March 20, 2005

Pushups are your friends. They can be done almost anywhere, they help strengthen your lower and upper back, your abs, and depending on how far apart your arms are, various muscles in your shoulders, arms and chest, meaning you can vary pushups to focus different groups.

If you have a matt, then situps are also your friends. Crunches are great and don't put exaggerated stress on the back.
posted by furtive at 9:32 AM on March 20, 2005

Weights can do severe damage to your back.
Build a strong bar for chin-ups, etc. Make sure you test it to support double or triple your weight. It's almost impossible to hurt yourself this way, and it's great for your back, arms, and upper body strength.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 10:16 AM on March 20, 2005

Weights can do severe damage to your back.
Build a strong bar for chin-ups, etc. Make sure you test it to support double or triple your weight. It's almost impossible to hurt yourself this way, and it's great for your back, arms, and upper body strength.

Most people can't manage a chinup when they start working out. Use weights, but focus on form rather than going heavy for the first month or so. Make sure you keep your back neutral and do gentle core - firming exercises to ensure that your back is safe.
posted by sid at 6:38 PM on March 20, 2005

I forgot that you have scoliosis. The back is pretty much essential to any weightlifting exercise. Is there any way you can get a qualified professional to teach you a routine? Your needs might not be served by the AskMe community.
posted by sid at 6:49 PM on March 20, 2005

If you have a mat, then situps are also your friends. Crunches are great and don't put exaggerated stress on the back.

Situps are most definitely NOT your (or anyone else's) friend. Crunches and other exercises that work your abdominal muscles definitely are, because strong abs can reduce or eliminate back pains (with weak abs, your back muscles end up carrying too much of the load).
posted by WestCoaster at 8:47 PM on March 20, 2005

Pushups are your friends. They can be done almost anywhere, they help strengthen your lower and upper back, your abs, and depending on how far apart your arms are, various muscles in your shoulders, arms and chest, meaning you can vary pushups to focus different groups.

True, pushups are your friend, but you've gotta be a little careful to vary the pushups. Break it into thirds: one third normal, one third with your feet elevated (like on a chair), and one third with your hands on the chair. If you don't it will build only your pectorals, and your arms won't change much, giving you a barrel-chested/man boob look. Also do some freeweight lifts to build up your arm muscles.

/learned this the hard way
posted by zardoz at 3:49 AM on March 21, 2005