Long post- 4.5 months bro splitter - no gainz - need help
I have been going to the gym(bro split) on and off for 4.5 months now with not much gains to show. I have probably missed around 30-40 days in these 4.5 months due to medical reasons and was on a maintain before I went to a cut. I went from 69 to 64 kg(171 cm , 24 yo) and now I am going to start lean bulking from monday for about a year before I cut.
Goal : 12-15 pounds of muscle in 1 year, mostly for aesthetic purposes . Won't be taking any supplements, PWO, creatine, caffeine etc.
I have a fair understanding of most of the exercises and how to do them correctly except the deadlift. Questions -
Q1. Am I a beginner or an intermediate?
Q2. Which of these routines would best suit my goals?
Coolcicada PPL(6x/week)[http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=149807833]
Q3A. In the barbell basic routine, is there a need to add arm exercises - triceps, forearms, biceps?
Q3B. I kind of like the beginner barbell routine though I am not sure how I will manage to do a deadlift. Any substitutes?
Q3C. Should I be eating the same amount of calories on my off and on days?
Q4. If I am indeed a beginner, how long before I stop being a beginner?
Q5. In Lyle's routine, should I stick to the recommended sets? The sets for triceps and biceps seem way too low(1-2x12-15). I feel I can do 20-21 sets in one day easily. Lyle's has it at around 18. Can I add in 1 set each for barbells and triceps?
Personally, Lyle's routine is great for me as I don't have to deadlift. The barbell routine is great because it has no isolations which I hate(except a curl and extension here and there is fine). PPL is also great as it allows for great focus on each and every part. However, it also means I am in the gym for 6 days which is something beginners are not advised to do.
Thanks!