Trying to gain weight - who should I ask for advice?

[StrongLegs]

Hi,

I wondered if you might know who I could ask for advice on regaining weight and muscle after long covid and other stress-related illness?

I lost about a stone in weight when I had covid the first time and it never came back, so I suppose that must be muscle.

Then I got a stress-related illness that stopped me eating properly and got really really thin, just generally. A lot of that stress is fixed, but not all.

The doctor wants me to gain weight, but I don't know whether it is fat or muscle, or both, that is missing. I stuggle to eat becasue of food intolerance and I am too knackered to exercise.

I wondered if there might be someone like a personal trainer who could look at me and work out what's missing and how to go about getting it back, quite gently?

Or alternatively is there a way that I can measure my body to find out?

I'm packing away between 2900 and 3700 calories a day, but hardly gaining weight and I only do housework - no actual sports or exercise. I think I might just be really wired from stress. I have had every test under the sun and all normal.

Thanks!

This board is for lifting weights rather than body weight stuff so you might get more answers elsewhere. But yes a nutritionist can help with that kind of thing. There are nutritionists that work with lifters who might be working to gain bodyweight and muscle to increase their lifts, so they'd have the knowledge about how to do it in your case too I would have thought.

I would recommend a registered dietitian (not a nutritionist, only dietitians are required to be qualified in the UK), and a strength training coach with solid qualifications (degree educated or a good track record of working with people recovering from illness)

Thank you very much, a strength training coach sounds like the person I need. How do I find a good one of those? Would I go to a local gym, or ask a physiotherapist?

Oh dear! I just looked at some website and they do not look like they would have the patience for me.

Might you be able to recommend good books on building muscle strength?

I am doing well building my calf muscles with my stationary bike, but my arms and upper body need a lot of work.

Thanks!

If you find the right one they'd totally have the patience. The gym I go to has a total range of people, including plenty of people with very little strength for all sorts of reasons. I'd ask round at local gyms, you'll probably find there's more that you realise. Smaller ones might be better than chains as their PTs are often more experienced.

And I'd look for 'personal trainer' rather than 'strength building coach' . The latter to me is who you'd look for if you wanted to train for something like powerlifting.

My first book on subject was bigger, leaner stronger. I think it offers a good foundation. My DH takes mass gainer shakes on top of a extra calories otherwise he can't gain any weight.

Thank you very much, I have bought that book and I will look at mass gainers.

@RayKray are you looking for someone local to you or would you be happy with online?

As for the "label", none of them are regulated in the UK so anyone can call themselves a PT, strength training coach etc.

I suggested looking for someone advertising themselves as a strength coach as they are more likely to have the necessary experience and education to help someone with different requirements from the average gym-goer. Building muscle is the same process at the core whether you do it for health, physique goals or powerlifting

In terms of academic credentials I would look for things like Bsc in Sports Science and or Level 3 Personal Training. Mostly though I would look at client testimonials, and message a few people with your requirements, and evaluate them based on the response (do they get back in touch quickly? Are they keen to find out more? Do they explain clearly their qualifications and experience? Etc)

Sorry @RayKray , I meant to tag @StrongLegs 😂

I was talking to my personal trainer the other day about coaching styles. His view is that a GOOD PT adapts their style to the aims and capacities of their client. He beasts me with heavy weights and fast runs; the 90 year old woman he trains, he works with on getting up & down off the floor, and 2 kilo weights.

So a good PT will work with you wherever you are. And helping clients gain muscle tone, flexibility & strength are what PTs are good at. The trick is to find a GOOD PT!

Gosh that is a good amount of calories to be ingesting without weight gain. Strange, I struggle to put on weight but have a low appetite. I use Scandishakes as they are highly calorific. Oh god, ignore that, you don't need extra calories do you ..

Thanks, this is all really helpful stuff.

I looked online today at trainers, and felt too knackered just at the thought of talking to somebody.

I also started reading my book on strength training and fell asleep half way through the first page.

The gastroenterologist said that if I get heavier then I should feel more human, so maybe I need to just eat like a horse for a few months until my body gets its mojo back?

I'm just a little under BMI 18 just now, but I was only 16 three weeks ago, so that's pretty good progress really, I suppose.

Maybe I need to start by getting some body fat, and then work up to getting some muscle? (and staying awake)