If you’re just starting at the gym, you might be curious about the best way to build muscle. Nobody wants to spend forever trying to get a great physique with six-pack abs and not see results. So, how hard is it really, and how long will it take? Let’s dive in.
Firstly, remember that bigger isn’t always better when building muscles. Gaining muscle mass that looks good doesn’t mean having enormous biceps. In fact, too much muscle can sometimes be a drawback. The goal is to have low body fat and well-defined muscles throughout your body. Is this difficult? Not particularly, as long as you have the willpower. If you’re new to this, expect to put in up to a year of regular exercise to get a toned and attractive body.
To build muscle mass effectively, focus on three essential components: eating, training, and resting. Here’s how it works:
1. Training
To gain muscle and achieve a fit look, hitting the gym is essential. Plan for at least two to three days a week, spending about an hour or two each session. Make sure you work out all muscle groups, including your legs, to avoid looking disproportionate.
Stick to exercising two, maybe three muscle groups per workout. Pair a large muscle group with a smaller one, like chest with triceps, back with biceps, or legs with shoulders. You can add exercises for traps or neck at the end. When starting out, aim to work out each muscle group once a week. Abs are the exception and can be done two or three times a week, but don’t overdo it. Remember, a lot of ab work is actually done in the kitchen, which leads to the next crucial aspect of muscle building.
2. Diet
Having the right diet is key when aiming to gain muscle. If you’re naturally skinny, get ready to eat more often. Focus on foods high in protein to give your muscles the energy they need to grow. Aim for four to six balanced meals per day, including lean meats, eggs, fish, broccoli, rice, and vegetables. These foods help provide the right resources for muscle growth, especially fish and meat for strength.
You don’t need to eat large amounts of pure meat to build muscle, which is where protein shakes come in handy. Adding whey protein to your diet is vital when focusing on gaining muscle. This is known as the bulking phase in bodybuilding. Most people aiming for muscle growth need both bulking and cutting phases to achieve their best look.
3. Resting
Finally, getting enough rest is critical for muscle growth. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Muscles grow when the body is resting, not while you’re in the gym.
These are the main tips for efficiently building muscle mass. There’s much more to learn about gaining muscles, fitness, and bodybuilding in general. As a beginner, you’re on the right track with a solid three-day workout routine that targets all muscle groups evenly. So, there you have it—the best method to build muscle is by training, following a good diet, and resting. Now, go out there and start building that muscle mass!