How can I gain mass?

[blackdogstrut]

I am currently 17, 6'0" weighing around 173 lbs. This is up from 155 in June 05, and 165 in July/August. However I have not been able to budge a pound from above 173 for the past 3-4 months, and my goal is 185-190.
I am working out (or trying to) every other day, doing chest/bicep/tricep/back/shoulder and leg routines. I have gained some muscle in my chest and arms and shoulders mostly. I eat alot, as much as I can, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I have also been drinking protein shakes for the past month or so, so I'd say I've been meeting my protein requirement which has given me more results.
But I still cant seem to get any bigger and Im looking for a little advice.
Like basically what should I be doing, low reps high weights? Zero cardio? Advice like this would be great, so thanks in advance for any feedback.

[SpecialK]

If you aren't gaining mass, then you aren't eating enough, simple as that. Use www.fitday.com to track your calories every day. Post a typical diet up here, as well as the total calories as calculated by fitday, and the members here can give you more detailed advice.

Post your training routine in the bodybuilding forum if you want feedback on that.

[Spartan936]

:withstupi
I don't gain unless I eat to the point of puking four-five times a day. Some people have real fast metabolisms. Be thankful that your body isn't as hard to grow as mine.

[blackdogstrut]

heres a different question, how can I kill my metabolism?
Smoking a pack a day? Downing laundry detergent or something? Maybe thatd be a good angle to approach.

[Spartan936]

Gain weight, get older; your metabolism will slow down. I don't suggest smoking or laundry detergent

[blackdogstrut]

hehe

[Optimum08]

eat until you puke...then eat some more

[ddegroff]

how much are you resting? I saw the biggest gains when I was resting the most. Post your routine and then we can see.

[blackdogstrut]

between sets? probably between 1-2 1/2 minutes
Ive got a heavy routine, i dont really know any of the exercises or equipment names

[TTT]

I think he's talking about between workouts, and at night.

[blackdogstrut]

I try to every other day, but its probably closer to twice a week and I get maybe 6-7 hours sleep a night

[deeder]

I try to every other day, but its probably closer to twice a week and I get maybe 6-7 hours sleep a night

Sleep more... And I don't understand the first part of that. You should be getting 8-10hours of sleep every night. It's hard to do believe me... But your body will thank you!

[WORLD]

I think you should try switching the way you eat. It seems as if every time i changed the way I ate, I would gain rappidly. If you are eating a strict diet, of protein, carbs and fat, try letting go of that. Try for a month, to eat fast food, a burger here and there, etc. I'll bet you will gain more muscle.

[getfit]

I think you should try switching the way you eat. It seems as if every time i changed the way I ate, I would gain rappidly. If you are eating a strict diet, of protein, carbs and fat, try letting go of that. Try for a month, to eat fast food, a burger here and there, etc. I'll bet you will gain more muscle.

you can gain mass with right amount of fat,protein and carbs

[HILL]

You can gain mass by being in a calorie surplus everday and training heavy in the gym. and it really isnt any more complicated and that to start with apart from making sure ure getting enough protein and fats etc etc

[WORLD]

you can gain mass with right amount of fat,protein and carbs
__________________

Im definately not disagreeing with that, but. I notice when some people stress on their exact calorie intake, they slow down their gains. This applies to someone who is learning how to train and eat. Until they have their training perfect, they should just pig out.

[jalmer]

eat more and good...the more balanced the diet the better and cleaner your gains will be....but really just eat..and lift hard...plus your young give it time

[brickt.]

Im definately not disagreeing with that, but. I notice when some people stress on their exact calorie intake, they slow down their gains. This applies to someone who is learning how to train and eat. Until they have their training perfect, they should just pig out.

Um, no.

Perfect diet + ****ty training = gains.
Perfect training + ****ty diet = ****ty gains.

You said that when they 'pig out' they get bigger. Wow. They are now in a surplus of calories! I'll prefer to do it with quality protein, low GI carbs, and lots of healthy fat.

[theVict1m]

Um, no.

Perfect diet + ****ty training = gains.
Perfect training + ****ty diet = ****ty gains.

Wouldn't it be bad gains if there was a perefect diet and crappy training though? Take for instance me...if I had a perfect diet but hardly ever trained or cut corners during training...wouldn't I just get like a fat stomach or thighs but still have skinny arms and legs?

[Intensity&Focus]

Yes true, I make amazing gains with smart, super intense training with not tracking down my diet and just eat like an animal rather than keeping track of everything I eat and being very picky, but not training smart.

[brickt.]

Then it's not a perfect diet, you're eating too many calories, and the training would be LOWER than ****ty, as you would not be stimulating the muscles enough to grow.

****ty training = too much work, too many sets, neglecting legs, etc. Not being a pansy and tricep kicking the fluffy db for 5 minutes, then going home.

Ninja Edit: We're overanalysing this. IMHO, success = 70% diet, 25% training, 5% acts of God.

Eat well, train well, and say your prayers. You'll get bigger.

[getfit]

Im definately not disagreeing with that, but. I notice when some people stress on their exact calorie intake, they slow down their gains. This applies to someone who is learning how to train and eat. Until they have their training perfect, they should just pig out.

learning how to train is also learning how to eat!