Achieving a great-looking body year-round is a common aim for many, but it’s not easy to get that ideal physique. Everyone wants quick results without spending too much time or effort. The first thing to understand about building muscle is that there’s no magic solution that will make them grow in a week. However, there are effective methods to tone your muscles and increase their size within a month.
If you’re aiming to get healthier and improve your appearance, we’ve got some helpful advice for you. Check out these six proven strategies for quickly boosting your muscle mass. You’ll begin to see changes in just a few weeks, as long as you remain persistent and committed to your goal.
1. Prioritize Protein
To stay healthy and support muscle growth, you should increase your protein intake. When you exercise and aim to build muscle, you’re actually breaking down muscle fibers with the weights you lift. To help your body recover and grow, having the right diet is crucial. Experts advise consuming about 0.10 ounces of protein per pound of body weight, or 0.30 grams per kilogram. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, you should aim for around 27 grams (or 1 ounce) of protein daily.
2. Manage Your Calories
A common mistake when trying to build muscle is focusing on calorie counting and deficit diets. While a deficit is useful for burning fat, if building muscle is your goal, a calorie surplus is necessary. This doesn’t mean you should indulge in everything, especially not too many sweets. Instead, calculate your caloric needs based on your age, weight, and BMI, then add 400 to 500 calories to that. Generally, recommended intake ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 calories for women and 2,000 to 3,000 for men. This approach will help you avoid fatigue, eating disorders, and other health issues. Remember, the goal is to be healthy, not just lose weight or build muscle recklessly.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for fast muscle growth. Training requires your body to rest and recover, which is when muscles are actually built. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Sleeping less than 6 hours can hinder muscle growth and may even lead your body to store more fat for protection. Lack of sleep can also increase stress levels, which might result in serious health problems like heart disease and strokes.
4. Select the Right Workout Routine
Exercise is necessary for muscle building, but not all workouts will help you meet your goals. Doing the wrong exercises or performing them incorrectly can be harmful. The right program can focus on different muscle groups like the upper body, lower body, or full-body workouts. You don’t need a gym membership to gain muscle, but using the right equipment is important. Investing in home gym equipment or working with a trainer at a gym can be beneficial.
5. Avoid Long Breaks
When working out, be mindful of the length of your breaks. Taking breaks that are too long can allow your body to cool down and increase injury risk. To see fast results, rest for about a minute between sets. If you’re new to working out, you can extend this to 2 minutes. As your strength and endurance build, aim for 30 seconds of rest and limit breaks to 3 minutes between different exercises.
6. Consider Supplements
Supplements can help your body build muscle more efficiently and support your overall health. Creatine and HMB are popular options available without a prescription. However, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before starting any new supplements to ensure you’re taking the appropriate dosages.
These are effective strategies to boost your muscle mass safely and effectively. Always focus on maintaining health and safety. Avoid short-term solutions or medications with harmful ingredients. Consult a trainer and a doctor to tailor a training program and supplement plan suited to your gender, age, and personal goals.