If you ask for advice on how to build muscle you'll probably get a different answer from every person you ask, so today we're going to cover the fundamental rules of building a leaner, stronger physique.
One of the biggest reasons so many people are lost when it comes to getting results in the gym is down to the huge number of training systems and methods that claim to be the best thing every developed. Despite having zero or very little scientific research to back up their claims, everybody seems swept up in the excitement in finding the 'next big thing' and, as a result, they tend to overlook the proven things which will get them the results they desire.
Muscular hypertrophy is not a complicated thing, despite the raft of trainers who seem hell bent on confusing clients to the point where they don't know why they're training at all. A lot of this is done in order for the trainer to attempt to justify why the fitness enthusiast 'needs' them there, when in fact you can apply the proven rules to strength and power training on your own and see results.
The main problem when somebody has not seen any results in the gym is variety. If you get stuck in the same routine it will stop giving you results no matter how good it may have been when you put it together. Your body's job is to adapt and make things easier for you to cope, so you'll need to use different approaches to get continued results. If you have had issues progressing you workouts in the past you should look at using the holistic training approach, which involves switching each week between different fitness concepts, such as going from high rep workouts to HIIT sessions, then strength training without cardio.
The second most common problem behind variety is recovery. This usually strikes after about three weeks of continued exercise and dieting, when we begin seeing physical results. We don't want to stop training, right? If you got those results training three times per week, just imagine what you could do if you trained six days per week. That's a bad approach to take, because your body needs the recovery time between sessions almost as much as it needs the workouts in the first place. Don't train more than five days per week.
The world of supplements is third on the list because although a lot of people do get lost here, it is perhaps purposely designed to have that effect. Supplement manufacturers make a lot of cash from the confusion. However, like most things on this list, it's nowhere near as confusing once you know what to look for. If you're after a weight gainer you need a shake which hits you with a lot of carbohydrates and calories per serving. If you're just after a leaner physique you will want to keep the carbohydrate content down quite low. Science also shows that there's no need to consume more than 30 grams of protein in one sitting, too.
You should also look to make the most of your eating habits outside of the gym, don't neglect them and presume that you'll get results just because you're putting the work in with your training. To establish a ball park figure for your daily calorie intake simply multiply your goal body weight, in pounds, by fifteen. Around 30% of your total intake should arrive from protein, with 50% coming in the form of carbohydrates and the remaining 20% arriving from healthy fats. All the macro nutrients will be needed if you are to achieve your long term fitness goals.
If you apply the four rules in today's post over the next three to four months you will notice how much easier it becomes to achieve the physique you desire. Learning how to build muscle is an often over complicated affair, but the truth is the main principles are very easy indeed. Holistic training is a great way to keep your workout program fresh, whereas time tested principles such as resting appropriately and learning the basics of whey protein supplements will go a long way to helping you reach your overall goal.
One of the biggest reasons so many people are lost when it comes to getting results in the gym is down to the huge number of training systems and methods that claim to be the best thing every developed. Despite having zero or very little scientific research to back up their claims, everybody seems swept up in the excitement in finding the 'next big thing' and, as a result, they tend to overlook the proven things which will get them the results they desire.
Muscular hypertrophy is not a complicated thing, despite the raft of trainers who seem hell bent on confusing clients to the point where they don't know why they're training at all. A lot of this is done in order for the trainer to attempt to justify why the fitness enthusiast 'needs' them there, when in fact you can apply the proven rules to strength and power training on your own and see results.
The main problem when somebody has not seen any results in the gym is variety. If you get stuck in the same routine it will stop giving you results no matter how good it may have been when you put it together. Your body's job is to adapt and make things easier for you to cope, so you'll need to use different approaches to get continued results. If you have had issues progressing you workouts in the past you should look at using the holistic training approach, which involves switching each week between different fitness concepts, such as going from high rep workouts to HIIT sessions, then strength training without cardio.
The second most common problem behind variety is recovery. This usually strikes after about three weeks of continued exercise and dieting, when we begin seeing physical results. We don't want to stop training, right? If you got those results training three times per week, just imagine what you could do if you trained six days per week. That's a bad approach to take, because your body needs the recovery time between sessions almost as much as it needs the workouts in the first place. Don't train more than five days per week.
The world of supplements is third on the list because although a lot of people do get lost here, it is perhaps purposely designed to have that effect. Supplement manufacturers make a lot of cash from the confusion. However, like most things on this list, it's nowhere near as confusing once you know what to look for. If you're after a weight gainer you need a shake which hits you with a lot of carbohydrates and calories per serving. If you're just after a leaner physique you will want to keep the carbohydrate content down quite low. Science also shows that there's no need to consume more than 30 grams of protein in one sitting, too.
You should also look to make the most of your eating habits outside of the gym, don't neglect them and presume that you'll get results just because you're putting the work in with your training. To establish a ball park figure for your daily calorie intake simply multiply your goal body weight, in pounds, by fifteen. Around 30% of your total intake should arrive from protein, with 50% coming in the form of carbohydrates and the remaining 20% arriving from healthy fats. All the macro nutrients will be needed if you are to achieve your long term fitness goals.
If you apply the four rules in today's post over the next three to four months you will notice how much easier it becomes to achieve the physique you desire. Learning how to build muscle is an often over complicated affair, but the truth is the main principles are very easy indeed. Holistic training is a great way to keep your workout program fresh, whereas time tested principles such as resting appropriately and learning the basics of whey protein supplements will go a long way to helping you reach your overall goal.
About the Author:
About the author: The UK's most followed personal trainer, Russ Howe PTI shows classes of hundreds how to build muscle online every week. Discover holistic training with his free guide today.
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