Hi, how is everyone? My name is Alan and this is my first post. I tried registering last week but never got my email confirmation, so I tried a different email service and it worked (aim) doesn't seem to with this forum, if that helps anyone. I have been vegan for a long while and I am ready to start lifting again. I have a couple questions though. 1. Its been a couple years since I stopped abruptly after being rear ended in a car but I still have a couple hundred pounds of olympic weights and 45lb bar but need a new bench. I found this unit locally for about $180.00 and it supports up to 600lbs. Just wanted to see what others thought or had a better recommendation. http://www.amazon.com/Marcy-Diamond-Elite-MD-856-Olympic/dp/B000J3MK2Y/ref=sr_1_22/102-5356660-1094530?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1179675178&sr=1-22 And this one below for 180 as well, seems more solid but not preacher curl or leg extension but would I even need them? http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2643847&cp=1170136&sr=1&origkw=olympic+bench&kw=olympic+bench&parentPage=search&searchId=21216626332 They also have one for 120 that does incline/decline/flat , same fitness gear brand but its looks like it would be tuff to do squats off of, thats bad to have to bend back first and duck in low to start a squat vs walking right under it right? Not the same model but the 120 looks like this but without the preacher and leg extension. http://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Fitness-Weight-Bench-BB-159/dp/B000P6BL1G/ref=sr_1_62/102-5356660-1094530?ie=UTF8&m=AHAKT0WIEQNT7&s=generic&qid=1180115253&sr=1-62 Both fitness gear are 700lb cap, they say. But I also hate the idea of buying and supporting stores like dicks, that are huge on selling murder supplies( like bows and hunting rifles) to many humans, that like to use them for fun and then top it off with a picture of the killer and usually the father and son or daughter, hovering over their latest murder. Then the dad or mom.. pass their repetitive unintelligence down to the next generation to try and keep the evil tradition. So I will avoid buying through dicks however, I just wanted to show you the bench because I can get it else where. Robert should start selling products off if his site, any other vegan gym suppliers out there? 2. I need at least 8 hours of sleep right, to recover and grow? Can it be split up in sets of 2 or will that defeat everything? I ask because of weird job hours... 3. I hear a lot of 5x5 workout, is this the best way to go for building mass? 3A- If so, can someone send me a full body, weekly workout schedule with some neck exercises added to? 3B- When would I increase weight with it, I just saw ryan wilsons plan on here, should I use that, does anyone else? 3C- Is it important to change routine every month? 4. I need some vegan gloves and a belt, any ideas? I hear the newgrips are nice and will probably try them? 5.This might be a strange question but while I work hard at gaining weight on my body, does the weight gain ever hit the face? Thats about the best thing I got going on for me and would hate to see that blow up. 6. I read only 30-50g protein can be digested at a meal or is this over an hour while digesting? Everyone says eat 2-3 hours about 6 times a day. Is it ok to eat every 4 hours about 5 times a day? Again do to jobs. I also had some other questions about certain protein shakes but will post in nutrition. Thanks for your time, I appreciate it. Have a good day.