You may see muscle bound bodies at the gym and on the street and think that you can’t ever get a body like that. The truth is that you can, if you commit yourself and put in the work. You just need to know how to get started. Here are some great ways to start building muscle.
Crank up some music. Research has shown that listening to music you love while you are lifting can help you do more reps than not listening to any music at all or not listening to the music that you like. In addition, having headphones can help distract you from having a conversation with others that will defer your workout.
If you plan on using any type of creatine supplement to help build your muscles, be very cautious, especially if you are using them for a long period of time. These supplements should not be used if you have kidney problems. They can also cause cramping, heart problems, and even something called muscle compartment syndrome. Young people should not take these supplements. More is not better, do not exceed the recommended safe dosages.
To maximize your muscle building, avoid heavy amounts of cardiovascular training while you are lifting large amounts of weights. If you are trying to build great muscle mass, cardio workouts can get in the way of that. Blending weights and cardio is ok, but if you are doing one or the other to an extreme degree, you have to cut down on the other in order to get the results you want.
Consider using a creatine supplement. The consumption of five grams a day may make it possible for you to lift longer and harder, leading to maximized growth of muscles. This particular supplement should not be used by teenagers, and avoided altogether by anyone with untreated health problems. To be safe, check with your doctor before beginning use.
Do not attempt extreme cardio training with weight training. Done within reason, this combo can be truly beneficial for your health, but when done in extreme fashions can contradict one another minimizing the results that you see from either one of them. Pick one to focus on and stay committed to working on it regularly.
Try to get in as many reps and sets as you can during each muscle building session. Make sure each rep includes 15 lifts or more, and always have a break between reps. By doing this, you are letting your lactic acids flow, which in turn, helps muscle growth. By consistently focusing your routine this way, you maximize the effects of your muscle building.
If you are on a program to build muscle, try losing any excess weight you are carrying first. You must consume fewer calories than you burn. Any activity such as mowing the lawn, bike riding or swimming will create a caloric deficit. As you lose weight, you will begin to see your muscles appear. Then it’s time to work them!
Eat plenty of protein when you are on a muscle-building regimen. Be sure to eat whole proteins with every meal. A good rule to follow is to ingest one gram of protein for each pound of body weight. Good sources of low-fat protein include fish, low-fat milk and lean red meats.
Try to cycle your food intake when you are trying to gain muscle mass. The best way to do this is to eat well on the days you exercise, and cut back on the days that you do not. Your body will burn the calories more effectively when you exercise on the days you eat well.
Keep in mind that there is no one method to build muscle that will work fast, effectively, and in the area that you really want to target. Muscle building takes work, and it takes time too. If you want to see success you must come up with a solid plan and remain committed to it. Overnight success stories do not happen when it comes to building muscle, so be sure to take it slow.
Plyometric exercises are a great way to build muscle. This type of exercise develops the fast twitch fibers of your muscle, which stimulates muscle growth. Like ballistic moves, plyometrics require acceleration. As an example, plyometric push-ups require that you end each rep by pushing hands up and away from the floor as high as possible.
Perform your lifting regimen every other day. After a vigorous workout, the protein synthesis process can take up to 48 hours to complete. In other words, your body builds muscle for up to two-day post-workout, and working out while your body is still recovering may undo your hard work. Enjoy the day of rest–it will help to maximize your results.
Building muscle can be done with time and effort, but you also need the right kind of information and training. Let the tips in this article be your guide; apply them to your muscle building regiment and watch for results. Stay patient and you will soon be one of those bodies you used to envy.
