Asking for advice on how to build muscle can
seem rather daunting. This is largely due to the severe jargon which
surrounds unfamiliar new techniques like body weight workouts and high
intensity interval training but it is also something which needn't be so
confusing.
Yet, the basic principles which were true 30 years ago during bodybuilding's heyday are still true today. We haven't actually improved greatly on the hypertrophy process.
They are:
1. Lift with compound moves as a priority.
Exercises such as the lat pulldown, bench press, squat and lunge remain key figureheads in any size and strength routine.
Any compound exercise will recruit more muscle fibers than an isolation move, therefore you'll gain more size over a shorter period of time.
2. Aim for the hypertrophy zone.
While high rep training has it's own benefits, you should be aiming for the 8-12 range if your goal is muscular hypertrophy. This is backed up by years of key studies from medical research studies carried out on the subject.
Now that you know the optimal rep range, try using it to determine whether you were previously lifting too light or even going too heavy on certain exercises.
3. Change your program as you progress.
Consistency is the worst mistake made on the gym floor.
That may sound strange, but consistently lifting the same weight over and over will not see you hit new results. As your body begins to adapt to an exercise, you will need to push it harder than before to see new results. Therefore, make increasing your lifts an absolute priority.
4. Don't forget to sleep.
Muscles are broken down and torn in the gym. They don't start rebuilding until you recover after your workout has ended.
Neglecting to go to bed at a decent hour is one of the top reasons why most men find it hard to develop a bigger body. Eight to ten hours is the optimal time to aim for. Less than this and you are asking for problems.
Imagine trying to build on a plot where the foundations were not yet set. Your construction would be constantly falling down again, that's exactly what you're doing to your body by not allowing rest.
If your goal to learn how to build muscle has so far proved fruitless, these tips will help. It is a very common trait in the fitness industry to over complicate matters and go overboard with unnecessary scientific jargon, as you will easily see by looking for tips on high intensity interval training or drop-set techniques. But these proven principles are simple, yet time-tested.
Yet, the basic principles which were true 30 years ago during bodybuilding's heyday are still true today. We haven't actually improved greatly on the hypertrophy process.
They are:
1. Lift with compound moves as a priority.
Exercises such as the lat pulldown, bench press, squat and lunge remain key figureheads in any size and strength routine.
Any compound exercise will recruit more muscle fibers than an isolation move, therefore you'll gain more size over a shorter period of time.
2. Aim for the hypertrophy zone.
While high rep training has it's own benefits, you should be aiming for the 8-12 range if your goal is muscular hypertrophy. This is backed up by years of key studies from medical research studies carried out on the subject.
Now that you know the optimal rep range, try using it to determine whether you were previously lifting too light or even going too heavy on certain exercises.
3. Change your program as you progress.
Consistency is the worst mistake made on the gym floor.
That may sound strange, but consistently lifting the same weight over and over will not see you hit new results. As your body begins to adapt to an exercise, you will need to push it harder than before to see new results. Therefore, make increasing your lifts an absolute priority.
4. Don't forget to sleep.
Muscles are broken down and torn in the gym. They don't start rebuilding until you recover after your workout has ended.
Neglecting to go to bed at a decent hour is one of the top reasons why most men find it hard to develop a bigger body. Eight to ten hours is the optimal time to aim for. Less than this and you are asking for problems.
Imagine trying to build on a plot where the foundations were not yet set. Your construction would be constantly falling down again, that's exactly what you're doing to your body by not allowing rest.
If your goal to learn how to build muscle has so far proved fruitless, these tips will help. It is a very common trait in the fitness industry to over complicate matters and go overboard with unnecessary scientific jargon, as you will easily see by looking for tips on high intensity interval training or drop-set techniques. But these proven principles are simple, yet time-tested.
By Arnold Sylvester
About the Author:
Provided by: Pick up key tips revealing how to build muscle and how to perform high intensity interval training effectively for immediate gains on the exclusive training website from leading UK personal trainer Russ Howe PTI.
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