What is the best workout routine? One that you will actually do.
It can be overwhelming trying to sift through information to decide which workout will shape your body the way you want it to look. Do you want to gain muscle without gaining fat? We’re here to help with these 6 expert tips for building lean muscle mass.
1. Building Lean Muscle Mass by Sticking With It
When first starting out, many people make the mistake of being overzealous then burning out quickly before they even see results. When planning your workouts, find a nice balance that will make you excited to hit the gym instead of giving up too soon.
Don’t fall victim to the training plateau. When you start a new routine, you generally see swift results. Over time, your body will adjust to that routine, and you won’t see the gains you did at the beginning.
When you begin to get bored with your routine or feel unmotivated to go to the gym, change up your routine to galvanize your drive. It is generally a good practice to modify your routine every six weeks.
2. Doing Exercises That Work Multiple Muscles at Once
Maximize your time in the gym by doing exercises that work out multiple muscles in your muscle group at once. Exercises like dumbbell curls are not as efficient as a dumbbell chest press, which works many muscles at the same time.
3. Maintaining a Balanced Diet
Do not replace every meal with protein bars and shakes. Though these are quick sources of protein and are beneficial as meal supplements, a healthy, balanced diet is crucial in building muscle mass. Also, don’t forget to check the ingredients, as some bars and shakes can be packed with sugars or other unhealthy sweeteners.
If you choose to reward yourself with a cheat day, be mindful about what and how much you are eating. Consuming an entire pizza on your cheat day can undo a lot of hard work you put in all week. A nutrition coach can also help you find your healthy balance.
4. Balancing Cardio and Weight Training
There’s no way around it; you need cardio in your workout. Balancing cardio and weight training helps you build muscle and lose fat. Don’t spend too much time on the elliptical though. It takes calories to build muscle, and burning too many with cardio can hinder the process.
5. Drink Enough Water
Drinking water is one of the easiest and most essential parts to build lean muscle mass. When you don’t drink enough water, your body becomes dehydrated which can lead to headaches, fatigue, or nausea. When you are dehydrated, the body can mistake thirst for hunger, causing you to eat when you simply need water.
6. Don’t Fall Behind on Your Z’s
Target a full eight hours of sleep every night. Your body needs rest and uses that time to repair the muscle tissue damaged during exercise. Your body will also be rested and you will have enough energy for your workouts.
Taking the First Step
Now that you know how to gain muscle and which path leads to building lean muscle mass, you can take that first step toward the new, healthy you.
For more information on health and fitness, check out our blog!