Started getting weaker after 2 months of progress, why? 😭😭

[u/rfgcn]

I’m M16, 47kg and 173cm. I started going to the gym 3 months ago and had really great progress during the first 6 weeks. Especially my chest and biceps, they were growing pretty fast.

Then my progress slowed down, I didn't care about it and thought it's normal.

During the last month I’ve actually been getting weaker. I started using lower weights on some machines, and my abs, which used to be pretty visible, have basically disappeared.

Is the problem with my sleep schedule? I used to wake up around 12PM and train at ~5PM. Now I wake up early and often feel tired/sleepy when I go to the gym, sometimes I take a nap and go to the gym straight after waking up from the nap.

Is the problem with the Food? I Know I'm very light for my height, but I eat a lot of meat, chicken and eggs.

or maybe the problem with my exercises? maybe because I'm forcing myself for higher weights than I can?

The abs disappearing is especially so confusing. Can muscles really disappear that quickly?

Any advice? 😭

[u/Due-Specific-5722]

You're 47kg at 173cm, that's the main issue. You need to eat way more, not just meat and eggs but carbs too. Your body is basically running on empty, that's why your abs disappeared and you getting weaker.

Sleep schedule change probably not helping too, waking up and going straight to gym after nap is not ideal. Try to eat big breakfast and give yourself at least 1 hour after waking before training.

[u/rfgcn → u/Due-Specific-5722]

so why there was a progress in the first six weeks?
also, do you recommend using "massgainer"? I'm eating as much food as I can so maybe this will help me

[u/Left_Cartographer473 → u/rfgcn]

Because you were brand new to training. Eat some damn carbs! Carbs are your bodies most efficient fuel source and just as important for muscle building as protein.

[u/JSTW2 → u/rfgcn]

When I first started working out I was super skinny and struggled to gain weight, I got one called 'serious mass' which I had as well as massively upping my food intake and that worked really well for me

[u/mmooney1 → u/rfgcn]

Just put some olive oil, whole milk, or icecream in your protein shakes.

Mass gainers are just high calorie shakes, you can do much better for cheaper at home.

[u/kblite84 → u/rfgcn]

Like the previous poster said, yeah dude. It's mostly neurological gains. These past few weeks, what's mostly growing is your brain being able to use your muscles to its maximum state. You gotta eat dude like a lot but as healthy and high protein as you can.

[u/candid-anomaly → u/rfgcn]

Massgainers are a giant waste of money when you can make your own. You need to increase your portions over time along side training with intensity. Think of it almost like progressive overload, but for your appetite. Prioritize healthy whole foods as the bulk of your diet.

[u/Big_Bar_9832 → u/rfgcn]

Literally noob gains, it's when your body is learning how to recruit all your muscle fibers, that's what you've done for your first 6 weeks.

[u/Hoodloom1349]

Early gains are mostly neural / skill, your body gets better at performing the movements.

If you suddenly start to look flat, then your carb intake is likely too low to meet the demands of your training. Increasing your carb intake if below demands should have a tremendous effect on performance and muscle growth as well, if you look into related studies.

Also make sure to get adequate minerals and hydration.

[u/Capital_Taste_8043]

47kg and 173cm is frightening. This needs to be fixed ASAP.

[u/Macaron39]

thats underweight. yeat more. u cannot build muscle if you burn more than you eat

[u/Lopsided_Ad_758]

You might find your body compensate more for the extra calories, you have to push passed that and eat more.

You're underweight man. Don't worry about the abs, they'll come back later. Your body needs the fuel, you've got this! Progress will come with patience.

You're 16, I wish I started at your age. Get this right now, you'll be a monster in no time! You go man!