The instructors at the gym (and others I've talked to) have said that skinny people need to lift maximum amount of weight with low reps. I explained that, with my back, that wasn't possible. I don't go anywhere near maximum, but instead lift what is comfortable yet challenging after two sets.
When I move the weight up 2.5 pounds, I'll usually do eight reps on the first set, and by the third, fourth or fifth rep on the second set, I can tell when I'm going to be straining, so I stop before I do. Then I keep working very slowly to where I can do two sets of eight reps comfortably for about two weeks before increasing the weight again. This means that I increase the amount I'm lifting about five pounds a month.
I don't run, as my knees won't take it. I walk very briskly.
As for "extra poundage," I'm down to 158 pounds, which is a few pounds more than what I weighed in senior year of high school. Before I stopped drinking in October '07, I was at 192. Now the only fat I have is a small paunch at the waist.
Even trying to lose that is a battle. As I said, I'm trying to gain weight, but not in the gut area, but that's where the calories go. I'm trying to find a balance between calorie intake, exercise and keeping the paunch in line.
208plus, why is mass something I don't want at my age? I'm not looking to get body builder arms, just some visible muscle. I see guys my age with normal looking arms all the time, instead of these sticks that I've had.
Very funny, Strings.