How to Gain 10 Pounds in 4 Weeks

I love getting in shape.  I love being in shape too, but even more fun is getting in shape.  I love staring down at the ground as I fight to take each step running up a mountain, yelling in agony as the sweat drips from my eyebrows.  I love that feeling of fatigue after a good arm workout when I have trouble lifting my water bottle to my mouth.  And I really love looking at my watch and discovering that I just beat my record time, or pushing out ten more pounds on a set of squats than I had the previous workout. 

In the past four weeks I have gained 10 lbs of muscle and increased my bench press by 30 lbs.  How?  Well thanks for asking, let me tell you. 

1. I worked out with Clark Moser.  Having the right workout partner/trainer might be the most important part of your workout because if you choose right they will keep you accountable, provide the right workout routine for your needs, and give nutritional advice.  
2. I did a unique four week program called DTP.  It is important to switch up your routine every once in a while in order to maintain progress.  DTP is a high intensity program aimed at gaining muscle.  I highly recommend it as a plateau-demolisher.  Pick a routine that says it will accomplish what you want and just commit to it, the exact routine isn't as important as your consistency.
3. I didn't miss a day.  Getting in shape is all about consistency.  You can't expect to see results from one week.  You have to work it into your daily routine and be content with checking your progress once a month or so. 
4. I ate a lot of protein.  Someone once said getting in shape is 10% working out and 90% diet.  They were wrong, but it is important.  Whether you are trying to gain weight or lose weight you will need to cut out excess sugar and fat and replace it with at least semi-healthy food.  No soda, no chips, no cookies and add a protein shake to your diet.
5. I ran.  No, not the country.  Contrary to popular belief intense cardio will actually help you put on muscle.  It is also the single most important factor in removing fat.  I did an intense half hour run on my non-lifting days. 
6. I measured my progress.  I went from weighing 152 to 162 lbs and my bench press went up from 225 to 255 lbs in four weeks.  I would have never known that if I hadn't measured those things before and after the program.  Seeing progress is the only way to get motivation to stay consistent and measuring your areas of interest (whether it's body weight, minute-per-mile time, or 1 rep max) is the only way to see that progress. 

If you have any questions about health, workout routines, DTP, or Clark Moser feel free to drop me a message.  Thanks for reading! 

P.S.  I am now at $2246 out of the $3700 I need for India.  Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me and to G42 for awarding me the G42 Alumni Grant ($1000).