Ask any fitness trainer in any gym and they will tell you that despite the massive advancements made in science and nutrition over the last two decades the majority of gym users are still totally confused when it comes to learning how to build muscle or improve their overall physique.
If you're one of the many who feel lost on this topic we're going to help you right now.
There are a number of different strategies you can use, a number of different physics which work. In fact one of the biggest barriers in the fitness industry in general is the sheer amount of different styles and techniques out there. What should be a great asset and provide great variation instead serves only to confuse the majority and they end up getting nowhere, unable to commit to anything for fear that in three months they'll be told everything they have been doing is 'wrong'.
So don't be fooled. There are a number of ways to build a better body, there is not just one right way of training and a million wrong ways. Realizing that fact will help you get past the first stumbling block you'll encounter on your path to building a better body, erasing the self doubt in what you are doing and why you are doing it.
Today we shall take a look at some simple rules which, if applied over time, will provide a rock solid foundation for you to build upon. We have used these techniques with seasoned athletes, gym newcomers and reknowned hard gainers alike. To put it bluntly, they work!
Before you head off to the gym you need to do something which will build the starting blocks for your future results. Muscle ain't built in a workout, it's built in the kitchen. If your diet plan is off you will not get the results your hard work on the iron is worth.
So before we head off for our next workout we need to your next workout session is figure out how many calories you need to eat each day for maximum results. The worst part about this segment is that most people think it's going to involve some sort of rocket science or magic formula. It doesn't, it's actually pretty easy to work this out for yourself.
If you write down your body weight, i.e. the weight you wish to be, in pounds and then multiply the number by fifteen you will get a great ballpark figure for your total calorific intake. This figure is to be used as a rough guide, try to hit around this mark each day and you will be firmly on the right track. If you'd like to add size but don't want to grow too big too quickly then swap out the fifteen for a twelve in the first step.
Now that the base target is in place we can begin work. You're already ahead of the masses, who don't take the time to do this calculation in their entire fitness lives.
Now we have to take a quick look into your training program. Your workout plan, if you're like most gym users, will be in desperate need of two things. Most notably a specific goal and consistent progression. Without either your plan will fail. Focus on the compound exercises and try to land each set between 8-12 reps, your perfect zone for muscle growth, this will get you on the right track.
You are now coming along swimmingly and should be feeling very confident in yourself here. The next two steps cover less obvious points which are often overlooked.
The amount of rest you get is paramount to your results. Many of us dismiss the importance of rest and believe we don't really need it as much as doctor's and scientists tend to make out. That's their loss, don't let it be your downfall. Your body needs rest just as much as it needs a healthy diet and exercise.
Make it your goal to go to the gym no more than three days each week if you are new to training. If you have already been training for over two months you can increase that to four sessions. You could train with weights up to six days per week by splitting each day to avoid ever training the same muscle group twice in succession, but most people are happy with a four day split routine. Those other three days are very important to your rest and recovery.
We also need to quickly mention the importance of sleep when it comes to getting stronger and more muscular. You've probably been told countless times that you should get eight hours rest every night but how often do you actually do it? If you are like most people the answer is not often enough. Your body recovers from your day's work while you sleep and if you don't give it that basic need your results will suffer for it.
Contrary to what some people believe, you do not grow bigger or stronger while you are lifting weights. The adaptations happen when you are resting. Your body produces growth hormone while you are in a state of deep sleep and if you never allow this to happen you are ripping yourself off.
How are things going so far? Have you managed to stay with us as we've got through the steps? Well here is the good news, you're actually finished. Easier than you thought it was going to be, wasn't it? If you have been asking how to build muscle for years and not getting anywhere you are now firmly in a position from which you can build the body you have always aspired to own. You didn't even need to hire a personal trainer to do it.
If you're one of the many who feel lost on this topic we're going to help you right now.
There are a number of different strategies you can use, a number of different physics which work. In fact one of the biggest barriers in the fitness industry in general is the sheer amount of different styles and techniques out there. What should be a great asset and provide great variation instead serves only to confuse the majority and they end up getting nowhere, unable to commit to anything for fear that in three months they'll be told everything they have been doing is 'wrong'.
So don't be fooled. There are a number of ways to build a better body, there is not just one right way of training and a million wrong ways. Realizing that fact will help you get past the first stumbling block you'll encounter on your path to building a better body, erasing the self doubt in what you are doing and why you are doing it.
Today we shall take a look at some simple rules which, if applied over time, will provide a rock solid foundation for you to build upon. We have used these techniques with seasoned athletes, gym newcomers and reknowned hard gainers alike. To put it bluntly, they work!
Before you head off to the gym you need to do something which will build the starting blocks for your future results. Muscle ain't built in a workout, it's built in the kitchen. If your diet plan is off you will not get the results your hard work on the iron is worth.
So before we head off for our next workout we need to your next workout session is figure out how many calories you need to eat each day for maximum results. The worst part about this segment is that most people think it's going to involve some sort of rocket science or magic formula. It doesn't, it's actually pretty easy to work this out for yourself.
If you write down your body weight, i.e. the weight you wish to be, in pounds and then multiply the number by fifteen you will get a great ballpark figure for your total calorific intake. This figure is to be used as a rough guide, try to hit around this mark each day and you will be firmly on the right track. If you'd like to add size but don't want to grow too big too quickly then swap out the fifteen for a twelve in the first step.
Now that the base target is in place we can begin work. You're already ahead of the masses, who don't take the time to do this calculation in their entire fitness lives.
Now we have to take a quick look into your training program. Your workout plan, if you're like most gym users, will be in desperate need of two things. Most notably a specific goal and consistent progression. Without either your plan will fail. Focus on the compound exercises and try to land each set between 8-12 reps, your perfect zone for muscle growth, this will get you on the right track.
You are now coming along swimmingly and should be feeling very confident in yourself here. The next two steps cover less obvious points which are often overlooked.
The amount of rest you get is paramount to your results. Many of us dismiss the importance of rest and believe we don't really need it as much as doctor's and scientists tend to make out. That's their loss, don't let it be your downfall. Your body needs rest just as much as it needs a healthy diet and exercise.
Make it your goal to go to the gym no more than three days each week if you are new to training. If you have already been training for over two months you can increase that to four sessions. You could train with weights up to six days per week by splitting each day to avoid ever training the same muscle group twice in succession, but most people are happy with a four day split routine. Those other three days are very important to your rest and recovery.
We also need to quickly mention the importance of sleep when it comes to getting stronger and more muscular. You've probably been told countless times that you should get eight hours rest every night but how often do you actually do it? If you are like most people the answer is not often enough. Your body recovers from your day's work while you sleep and if you don't give it that basic need your results will suffer for it.
Contrary to what some people believe, you do not grow bigger or stronger while you are lifting weights. The adaptations happen when you are resting. Your body produces growth hormone while you are in a state of deep sleep and if you never allow this to happen you are ripping yourself off.
How are things going so far? Have you managed to stay with us as we've got through the steps? Well here is the good news, you're actually finished. Easier than you thought it was going to be, wasn't it? If you have been asking how to build muscle for years and not getting anywhere you are now firmly in a position from which you can build the body you have always aspired to own. You didn't even need to hire a personal trainer to do it.
About the Author:
About the Coach: Russ Howe PTI is a trusted fitness coach. See how to build muscle with our free video guide showing the five steps to a more powerful physique and the best shoulder building exercises.