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This is an interesting thread with some good insight.

To the OP - you need to decide what you want to do - do you want to be really strong or look like you are in great shape(be well built) because the two are not entirely the same.

I am 5' 10'' and weigh 173. I am what's known as a hardgainer(I have trouble getting as big as I want). I am as serious as I can be about training while working full time and bringing up a nine year old with my wife who also works full time.

Currently, I am working toward gaining about 8-9 lbs but in the process I know I will lose some definition, because I am going to have to stop doing as much cardio and focus on eating and recovery. Heck I need to eat 3,000 healthy calories a day to accomplish this.

Right now I have 8.8% body fat and my sets for bench (4 sets 8-10 reps)are at 195. I am into week four of an eight week program and have already lost some definition but I know I am getting stronger, just waiting to see some noticeable size gains.

If you stick with it you should see some huge improvements over the short term, the trick will be to be as determined as you are now when the improvements slow down. Talk to a good trainer and keep at it, you will feel better, have more energy and be healthier. All of which means you will likely play better poker!!!

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I don't care about getting stronger. I just want to look ripped.