Need help on making my ribcage go flat

[anagram]

hi all, i'm a complete noob to this stuff

i'm 15 years old and was looking for advice from more knowledgeable people on how to solve this problem of mine.

first i just want to show you guys what i'm talking about along the lines of my problem:

i'm looking to gain weight and do some exercises that will make the protruding ribs go flat, but i don't know to do it exactly. this is a major insecurity of mine, and it's something i'd like to take care of--even if it requires some hard work.

one thing: all i really have along the lines of weights is a barbell with some weights, and some dumbbells. that's it

questions:

1) what exercises could i do that would solve this problem?
2) how many a day?
3) any advice on dieting to help the problem as well?

also: would doing any exercises in the swimming pool help this problem? i have daily access to a pool.

i was told by someone else that it wasn't fixable because i have this condition--but i'm praying that's not the case

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pectus_excavatum

from what i know, my uncle used to have the same rib problem and he said they went down after gaining weight and lifting in the army. so, i haven't lost hope

help is really appreciated on this, i'm a bit desperate to find a solution to this problem as it's bothered me for years

thanks

 

[OUfan]

I think you look fine bud, it's really not that noticeable. I'm not really sure what your asking, but there are no exercises that will change your bone structure. However your only 15 so you will still be growing for a few years. But to answer your questions:

1) Do compound lifts, you are young so start very light and work your way up slowly. Get the book "Starting Strength" by Mark Rippetoe, read it twice before you start lifting. Would also be good to find an experienced lifter to check your form the first few times you lift and make sure you are doing it right. Bench press will build your chest, and as your chest grows your ribs will not appear to come out as far. Squats will stimulate growth for your whole body, and add muscle to your midsection. This will also help the appearance. However it is important to train your anterior and posterior muscles together, so you will want to do the other lifts in the book (military press, deadlift).
2) This will be answered in the book, but in the beginning you just want to use very light weight (the bar) to practice your form in each lift. Adding weight before you have the form can easily cause injury, and you will have to take time off and start all over again.
3) Your still growing, you need lots of food. It's not important exactly what you eat at this point, just try to eat 5-6 meals per day if possible. Eat lots of lean meat and green veggies, potatoes, pasta, nuts, legumes, eggs, oatmeal...etc. Try to eat a source of protein (eggs, meat) with every meal. Again don't get too caught up in your diet, just try to limit how much junk food and fried food you eat.

 

[beerdrinker]

I'm no doctor, but I really don't think you have pectus excavatum.

Your ribs look like they are protruding because you have no chest. But then, hardly anyone at 15 does. Now is the time to start. Do everything OUfan said and buy starting strength.

The old time body builders used to want a large rib cage. They even tried (in vain) to do exercises to expand it! Get some muscle on top of it, and I think you will look pretty good. Your uncle's rib cage didn't flatten out, the rest of him filled in around it, giving the appearance of a flatter torso. That's all you have to do man.

 

[heavy_duty]

Eat
Lift Weights
Join Army at 18

 

[billfred]

Don't worry about it. In 20 years, when you have added more weight than you thought possible, you will be glad you have that rib cage making your stomach look flatter than it really is.

 

[madcap]

I don't see a problem at all. You are 15 and you're skinny....most guys are at that age. In fact, be thankful your parents didn't raise you on McDonalds and Pizza Hut or you would be a fat ass.

If you have a barbell and weights you're golden. Hook up with an experienced lifter and learn how to do:

Deadlifts, power cleans, overhead presses, bent over rows and you can bench press off the floor until you get a bench. Save you $ and buy a good power rack.

Eat, eat, eat....meat and potatoes and milk. Drop sugary soft drinks, fried food and fast food. Again bro, you look totally normal to me. I was just as skinny at your age and didn't start to fill out until I was 17 and started lifting. Give it some time.

 

[anagram]

I think you look fine bud, it's really not that noticeable. I'm not really sure what your asking, but there are no exercises that will change your bone structure. However your only 15 so you will still be growing for a few years. But to answer your questions:

1) Do compound lifts, you are young so start very light and work your way up slowly. Get the book "Starting Strength" by Mark Rippetoe, read it twice before you start lifting. Would also be good to find an experienced lifter to check your form the first few times you lift and make sure you are doing it right. Bench press will build your chest, and as your chest grows your ribs will not appear to come out as far. Squats will stimulate growth for your whole body, and add muscle to your midsection. This will also help the appearance. However it is important to train your anterior and posterior muscles together, so you will want to do the other lifts in the book (military press, deadlift).
2) This will be answered in the book, but in the beginning you just want to use very light weight (the bar) to practice your form in each lift. Adding weight before you have the form can easily cause injury, and you will have to take time off and start all over again.
3) Your still growing, you need lots of food. It's not important exactly what you eat at this point, just try to eat 5-6 meals per day if possible. Eat lots of lean meat and green veggies, potatoes, pasta, nuts, legumes, eggs, oatmeal...etc. Try to eat a source of protein (eggs, meat) with every meal. Again don't get too caught up in your diet, just try to limit how much junk food and fried food you eat.

thanks for all the help

Deadlifts, power cleans, overhead presses, bent over rows and you can bench press off the floor until you get a bench. Save you $ and buy a good power rack.

thanks, i am getting some more weights later--along with a bench

Eat, eat, eat....meat and potatoes and milk. Drop sugary soft drinks, fried food and fast food. Again bro, you look totally normal to me. I was just as skinny at your age and didn't start to fill out until I was 17 and started lifting. Give it some time.

i actually gave up sugary soft drinks two days ago to help with my complexion

thanks for the help, all. i appreciate it

 

[dopename]

Yeah, I say eat right and train. You look fine. You'll look even better when you fill out with some lean muscle.

Has anybody ever made fun of you for it?

 

[anagram]

i've had some comments/jokes made, but nothing that was ever mockery. it mainly just bothers me because of myself, no one else has really influenced it

a bigger motivation is so i can be more comfortable with my body in... more intimate moments

 

[OUfan]

i've had some comments/jokes made, but nothing that was ever mockery. it mainly just bothers me because of myself, no one else has really influenced it

a bigger motivation is so i can be more comfortable with my body in... more intimate moments

If you get with a girl and she makes fun of you over that she ain't worth it bro. Tell her she has a fat ass and kick her out.

 

[patsfan1379]

put a piece of plywood on your chest and have a fat guy sit on it for a few days

 

[sopac]

Gain some muscle on that bird chest and youll be fine.