Building muscle is a common goal for many gym-goers, but it can sometimes feel like all your hard work is not paying off. So, how can you effectively build muscle? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Building muscle requires making multiple changes to your training and nutrition routines to support muscle growth.
If you want to increase your chances of building muscle, it’s important to create a plan for your nutrition and training habits. This won’t take away the fun; in fact, it will put you in a better position to achieve your goals. Here are 6 tips to help you approach your muscle-building goals strategically:
1. Eat More
When it comes to building muscle, you need to consume more food and protein. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds. It’s important to ensure you’re getting enough protein every day, as your body constantly breaks it down for various functions. Aim for around 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. Additionally, consider adding 250-500 extra calories to your daily intake. This can be achieved by eating 4-6 smaller meals throughout the day.
2. Lift Heavy & Work Big
Focusing on the complete range of motion during your lifts is crucial for effective muscle building. This means controlling both the downward and upward motions of an exercise. Incorporating compound movements into your workouts, such as squats, pull ups, deadlifts, and bench presses, can target multiple muscle groups and yield better results.
3. Limit Your Cardio
While cardio is beneficial for overall health, too much cardio can hinder muscle growth. Limit your time on the treadmill and opt for two 30-minute light jogs per week or incorporate interval training 2-3 times a week. This will help you burn fat while preserving your hard-earned muscle.
4. Change Up Your Routine
It’s important to change your workout routine every 4-6 weeks to avoid overuse and potential injury. Give your body enough rest between sessions and keep a workout journal to track your exercises, sets, and reps. Experiment with different exercises and training variables to keep your workouts challenging.
5. Drink Shakes
Nutrition plays a vital role in muscle building. Consider having a high protein and carb meal before your workout and sipping on a shake during the session. Alternatively, you can have a shake before exercising and consume a high carb meal afterwards. Find what works best for you through experimentation, keeping in mind that shakes are digested faster than meals.
6. Rest & Recovery
Don’t underestimate the importance of rest and recovery. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to allow your body to repair and grow. Sufficient rest improves muscle growth and enhances strength.