You don’t have to look like a body builder just because you’re working on building muscle! A lean, toned look is achievable while enjoying the benefits of strong musculature, you just need to know how it’s done. This article will provide you with that information and more, so read on.
Many trainers will advise you to change your workout routine every few months. You should however keep in mind that this is not necessary. If the routine that you are using is providing excellent results, then you should stick with it! Change your routine only if it is not giving you the results that you seek, or if you feel that you have gained most of the benefits from it.
If you are trying to build muscle mass, it is important to eat calorie-dense food at the right time. The best time to eat your heaviest meal of the day is after you have completed your muscle-building workout session. It is at this time that the energy demands of your body are at peak levels since your body needs the nutrition to repair and build muscles. If you continue to eat some more calorie-dense food every couple of hours, you will provide an opportunity for your body to add even more muscle mass.
To increase your muscle mass, you must increase your intake of nutritious foods. Eat the amount that you need to gain a weekly pound. Try different diet alterations to provide yourself with more calories. If you see no results within two weeks, try to pack in more calories.
Carbohydrates are key for muscle building. They give you the energy you need to perform your training. When training consistently, you must take in two to three grams of carbohydrates per pound of weight.
Keep your workouts to a sixty-minute maximum length. After sixty minutes, your body will begin to produce increased amounts of the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol blocks testosterone–a hormone that promotes muscle growth–and undermines all of the work you are putting into building muscle. You can avoid this by keeping your workouts under 60 minutes in length, ensuring you get the most from your regimen.
Always use your own intuition when working out. Although planning out your workouts ahead is good for making sure that you stay accountable, sometimes you can’t always stick to this schedule. For example, you might not be ready for another quad session after your last session left you exhausted. On the other hand, your arms could be well rested after a good workout just a few days ago. Listen to what your body tells you, and follow it.
Avoid comparing yourself to others at the gym. It can be useful to watch other people to see their form, new exercises, or new types of equipment, but direct comparison is not helpful. This is because everyone has a different body type; what works for you may not work for others.
The stronger your body, the better you’ll feel about yourself. It’s amazing how working on building muscle can change your whole outlook on life! I hope that what you’ve read in this article helps you to start working out in a way which makes you feel great every single day.
