If you have ever asked a friend of work colleague for tips on how to build muscle you'll probably have been met with a massive spectrum of different answers, a lot of which contradict what others have already told you. Today we'll run through the proven, simple rules of building a more powerful 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.
One of the most common mistakes fitness enthusiasts make is over training. If you see some positive results it can become easy to get addicted to going to the gym. The thing is, however, when it comes to fitness 'more' does not necessarily mean 'better'. Your body needs time to recover from each workout and if you're back in the gym the following evening you won't be able to see any results. Try to keep it under five sessions per week.
When it comes to supplements there are a few important things to consider. If you find it difficult to gain size you will want to go for a whey protein supplement which is geared around helping you pack an extra punch when it comes to calories and carbohydrates. If you don't find it necessarily difficult to gain weight you can stick with the standard choice for lean size, which is a supplement providing around 20 grams of protein combined with a relatively low carbohydrate count.
The battle to build a better physique is usually won and lost outside of the gym, however. Most people are happy to exercise and drink protein shakes but they switch off when they get back home or go out with their friends at the weekend. Make no mistake about it, you'll need to get your diet in check. If you are unsure how many calories you need to be eating per day you can start by taking your goal weight and multiplying the figure by 15. This will give you a good estimate to work with.
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.
One of the most common mistakes fitness enthusiasts make is over training. If you see some positive results it can become easy to get addicted to going to the gym. The thing is, however, when it comes to fitness 'more' does not necessarily mean 'better'. Your body needs time to recover from each workout and if you're back in the gym the following evening you won't be able to see any results. Try to keep it under five sessions per week.
When it comes to supplements there are a few important things to consider. If you find it difficult to gain size you will want to go for a whey protein supplement which is geared around helping you pack an extra punch when it comes to calories and carbohydrates. If you don't find it necessarily difficult to gain weight you can stick with the standard choice for lean size, which is a supplement providing around 20 grams of protein combined with a relatively low carbohydrate count.
The battle to build a better physique is usually won and lost outside of the gym, however. Most people are happy to exercise and drink protein shakes but they switch off when they get back home or go out with their friends at the weekend. Make no mistake about it, you'll need to get your diet in check. If you are unsure how many calories you need to be eating per day you can start by taking your goal weight and multiplying the figure by 15. This will give you a good estimate to work with.
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:
Teacher: The UK's most followed fitness instructor, Russ Howe PTI shows thousands of people how to build muscle online every week. Learn about holistic training with his free guide today.
