Many young guys get involved with weight training in the hopes of gaining bodyweight and adding muscle mass. There many aspects to take into consideration when someone has this goal-in order of importance are nutrition, training and supplementation. Consistency among all of these areas should lead to a desired weight gain.
Proper nutrition is essential to gaining muscle mass regardless of someone’s training status but is especially important to the teenage strength trainer. Simply put, you need to eat more meals, and eat more at each meal. When I was smaller I would literally eat until I felt sick and would often spend my entire lunch hour eating. Strive for 5 to 6 meals a day. Eat breakfast. Each meal should contain protein (chicken, canned tuna, beef etc) and carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, pasta etc). The carbs are needed to fuel workouts while proteins build muscle as a result of training. Eat vegetables and fruit to maintain good health but load up on quality protein and carbs. There is no secret to nutrition; you simply need to eat big to be big.
Many young guys lack the general knowledge of how to train intelligently. They workout too often, for too long and neglect muscle groups too often, too long, I’ve seen more guys go to the gym and just hammer out bench presses and curls all day long. This is not conducive to sizeable weight gain. They need to incorporate other heavy compound movements to their regime, such as; Bent-Over Rows, Military Presses, Incline/Bench Presses, Leg Presses, Deadlifts and Squats.
Intense leg and back work is especially important because most of the body’s natural Testosterone and GH production. A good rule of thumb is that if the exercise is more difficult, it will yield better results when done in proper form.

The last important factor in weight gain is proper supplementation. They are most effective when a lifter has surpassed the beginner stage and has committed to a proper nutritional program. Supplements won’t compensate poor nutritional habits. For example, many teenagers will complain that a weight gain powder does not work; meanwhile they don’t eat enough in the first place. In my own experience, the products that have been most effective are a protein (weight gain powder) Creatine, BCAAS, and pre-work-out drink (N.O. or caffeine).

Recently I have experienced success with Waxy Maize carbohydrate, fish oil, Beta-Alanine and TMA. When used properly these products can maximize strength gains and muscle growth.

Train Smart,
Alex Mateu