Muscle Building Tips
Tried and Tested!
This section of my web site lists a collection of muscle building tips, techniques and articles designed to inform and inspire you to develop a more muscular physique.
My knowledge of this area has been accrued throughout my time as a personal trainer, body builder, power-lifter and strength sports athlete. My intention is to provide a clear understanding of how to build muscle and to eliminate some of the nonsense that surrounds this area of physical training.
Top 5 Muscle Building Tips
Avoid the Hype!
The old adage of if something sounds too good to be true then it probably is, certainly rings true when it comes to building muscle!
Now you may laugh and say, what kind of tip is that? But it is one that can save you a great deal of time and money!
The bodybuilding community is rife with aggressive marketing campaigns designed to promote the latest muscle building supplement or resource. They promise to deliver unbelievable results or to know underground muscle building secrets that will help you transform your body in record time.
Take it from someone who knows through experience; There are, NO muscle building secrets and there is NO wonder supplement that will add slabs of muscle within a couple of weeks!
Building muscle is a simple process requiring a combination of sensible, high intensity training geared towards strength and hypertrophy, good nutrition derived from whole foods and adequate rest - period.
Goals, Goals, Goals
Before starting any training program aimed at building muscle, long term goals should be identified. The long term goal may relate to how much muscle there is to be gained within a certain time frame. For example gaining 10lbs within 4 months. Assuming that training and nutrition are in order combined with adequate rest, realistically speaking gains of between 1/2 to 1lb of muscle can be achieved per week.
Admittedly, this may not sound like a huge amount, but then this is a "straight up, no nonsense article" designed to tell it how it is!
Short term targets should also be set. These intermediate goals enable a process of feedback and reinforcement. They also provide a means to assess whether the right approach is being taken and more importantly, whether it is working. There is little point in sticking with a plan that doesn’t deliver! Ideas for short term targets include body weight targets and strength targets for various "big" compound movements such as squats and deadlifts.
Commit Yourself!
One of the most important muscle building tips is in understanding that building muscle takes time, effort and dedication. Commitment is not limited to how many hours of training are performed each week. It includes sticking to sound nutritional practices, performing the right amount of training without over training and being able to take sufficient rest. Muscle has to be nurtured. Training to oblivion and then drinking a few protein shakes will not make the athlete. Remember, outstanding results require outstanding effort, in the gym and out of the gym! Ask yourself what do you want the most?
Use Visualisation and Imagery
One of the most overlooked muscle building tips is in the use of visualisation and imagery. Pictures and images can have a huge effect on us. They can make us happy and sad, emotional and angry. With this in mind, we can also use images as a stimulus. Take a few minutes out of the day to sit and imagine having a more muscular and defined body. Through visualisation of the achievement of defined goals, subconscious changes begin to take place. Increased motivation, self belief and determination may result, all positive attributes that increase the likelihood of success!
Plan and Record Workouts
In my opinion, planning workouts in advance and keeping a training diary is one of the most important muscle building tips. Before any training starts plan each session in detail for the month ahead, keeping your goals in mind. List which exercises, weight, sets, and reps you aim to achieve. Ensure that over time the training is progressive in nature placing increased demand on the body. Remember to plan easier, recovery weeks too. Record how you performed in each workout in a training diary. This will allow you to identify what you did each session, what to aim for in the next and also to help recognise patterns of what works and what doesn’t.
Articles Containing Muscle Building Tips
How to Build Muscle FAST!
Why so many trainees fail to develop the body they dream of.
Muscle Building Workouts - Part 1
This two part article outlines the fundamental principles behind the most successful muscle building workouts.
Muscle Building Workouts - Part 2
Part 2 of this article about building muscle mass details 3 key factors that every successful training program should have.
Muscle Building Diets
This article details the key factors that every muscle building diet should have. Essential Reading
My Best Muscle Building Foods - Part 1
This 2 part article details which are the very best foods for building muscle and what makes them so good!
The Best Muscle Bulding Foods - Part 2
The second part of this article discussing the muscle building foods that should be included in every trainees diet!
The Ripped Abs Guide - Essential Reading!
Six pack abs are no longer out of your reach with this informative article which reveals tips that work!
Want to Burn Fat and Build Lean Muscle? The Review.
See what I thought of the best selling lean physique resource. Essential Reading!
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