You have to keep your metabolic pathways open and running. In addition to helping you burn some excess calories off, the cardio will help your appetite. Maximize Your Mass. Mini cuts are great because they allow you to burn off added fat from your bulk rather quickly.

I recommend a cut from two to six weeks, depending on your current conditioning. I also like to be aggressive, if your current intake is calories, drop your intake to By doing that you will take advantage of the raised fat burning hormones like leptin and T3. Offseason Eating With Juan Morel.

The goal is to be as big and lean as humanly possible, how can you get big without going heavy? I recommend progressing your routine and always striving to add one more rep, five pounds, or one more set to every workout. There is no way around the basic compound exercises.

These exercises stimulate more then just one-muscle group. In addition to hitting multiple muscle groups you will also build overall strength. You will stimulate all your fiber types and help release huge surges of testosterone and growth hormone naturally. The more taxing the movement, the greater the release.

If you ever have entered a long cut you know that by the time your done you are ready to eat a house and more. Whenever we push our bodies past our bodyfat set points getting to new bodyfat lows , your body responds by increasing the hunger feeling. The best thing you can do after finishing your fat loss phase is to slow build your metabolism back up.

Lets say for example at the end of your cut your taking in grams of protein, g of carbs and 45 grams of fat, these are the numbers that it takes to maintain your current physique look. By slowly adding the calories back in we allow for your body to adjust to each new calorie level.

It is not uncommon for bodybuilders to maintain their contest shape while doing this. In addition to the benefit you also improve your metabolic capacity and your ability to handle more macros. Despite popular thinking, you can gain fat from one meal.

Going off the deep end and eating everything with no end in sight is a slippery slope that will ruin your progression. If you start binging you can ruin your lean physique. While these things happen, frequent binges can add 10 pounds to your physique in a few days. I have seen competitors gain 15 pounds in a weekend.

Besides the physical downfall, binges also wreck havoc on your mental state. Post binge, you usually feel a huge sense of guilt; this guilt can lead to depression and more binging. This is why I like point number one. By following a flexible diet, you can fit in little treats here and there without causing you to binge or feel guilty.

High Intensity Interval Training is a form of cardio that is ideal for staying lean and getting big. HIIT involves performing seconds of high intensity work.

This may include sled pushes, meter sprints, battle ropes, and barbell complexes. This form of cardio can actually help you gain muscle. A great example of this is comparing a marathon runner to a short distance sprinter.

Winter Mass Part II. Alcohol in moderation is okay. A high alcohol intake can slow muscle gain and increase fat storage; especially when associated with drunken binges. Alcohol also contains calories; seven calories per gram.

Most alcoholic drinks are loaded with added calories mostly from carbs and sugar. By striking the right balance between these elements, you can develop lean muscle mass while minimizing body fat accumulation.

Protein intake is critical in building lean muscle, providing the essential amino acids required for muscle protein synthesis. The amount of protein needed to build muscle varies based on factors such as age, sex, weight, and activity level, but here are some general guidelines [ 7.

Endurance athletes: 1. Additionally, studies show that consuming g of high-quality protein immediately after exercise and at regular intervals throughout the day maximizes muscle protein synthesis and recovery [ 9.

Experts suggest that most healthy individuals can gain lbs of lean muscle mass per month [ While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to muscle growth, several supplements have been widely studied and shown to be effective for enhancing muscle development when combined with regular strength training and a balanced diet.

Here are some of the best-researched supplements for muscle growth. Adequate protein intake. While you can get protein from dietary sources, protein supplements like whey and plant-based protein powders can also be effective in supporting muscle growth.

Interestingly, research shows that whey protein may improve muscle strength and size in resistance-trained individuals [ Your unique Smart Recovery blend is determined using a combination of data from wearables and activity apps, dietary preferences, and goals.

Your information is then matched with the latest scientific research to determine a blend of ingredients that both maximizes post-workout recovery and supports your health goals. Learn more about how it can enhance your recovery.

You can get all the creatine you need from what your body naturally produces and through some key dietary sources such as fish, meat, and other animal products. However, if you lift extremely heavy weights, participate in high-intensity workouts, or eat a plant-based diet, you may want to consider a creatine supplement since studies have found that supplementation is associated with significant improvements in muscle strength, power, and lean body mass [ Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that has been shown to improve muscle endurance and reduce fatigue during high-intensity exercise.

Studies found that beta-alanine supplementation improved exercise performance, particularly in activities lasting 1 to 4 minutes [ BCAAs such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine are essential amino acids that play a role in muscle protein synthesis and recovery.

Research has found that BCAA supplementation can reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery following exercise, which may contribute to muscle growth over time [ A meal plan for muscle gain should prioritize a balance of high-quality protein sources, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Here is a sample one-day meal plan for muscle gain. Mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, and 2 tbsp vinaigrette dressing. Disclaimer: This plan is designed for someone with moderate physical activity levels; however, individual needs may vary based on factors such as age, gender, weight, and exercise intensity.

Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before implementing any meal plan. Research continues to show that muscle mass plays a large role in athletes looking to achieve peak performance.

From a reduced risk of injury to a delayed onset of fatigue, there are many reasons why muscle mass is beneficial. Disclaimer: The text, images, videos, and other media on this page are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat, diagnose, or replace personalized medical care.

Studies have found that muscle mass may help prevent injury, improve sports performance, increase bone density, contribute to metabolic rate, and help maintain overall mental well-being and cognitive function [ 1.

Protein intake is critical in building lean muscle, as it provides the essential amino acids required for muscle protein synthesis. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to muscle growth, certain supplements like Elo Smart Protein.

McPherron, A. Increasing muscle mass to improve metabolism. Adipocyte , 2 2 , 92— Suchomel, T. The Importance of Muscular Strength in Athletic Performance. Sports medicine Auckland, N. Sutter, T. Allowing your body to improve its strength and efficiency by consistently exposing it to similar movement patterns over a period of time is important.

This goes for gaining mass , losing fat, getting a scholarship, or being great at your job—the attitude that you bring to any task will go a long way in helping you succeed. In fact, a mediocre program done with a committed, enthusiastic attitude will trump a perfect program done half-assed.

You know that protein is the building block of muscle and that you need a lot of it, yet most people wildly under-consume the amount of protein they need on a daily basis.

Shoot for. Create new and massively sculpted set of pipes now with these easy to use armday hacks. Is all calf training the same, no matter the sport?

Not quite, says trai expert Tasha Whelan. These PTs explain how to maintain healthy hammies. Close Ad ×. I want content for: Both Men Women. Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest.

Open menu button. Open search bar button. Featured Articles. Healthy Eating Days-to-Lean Meal Plan With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days. Read article.

After age 30, we say goodbye to approximately 3 to 8 percent of our muscle mass per decade, with even more significant losses later in life. This muscle loss may account for more fatigue, weight gain, and increased risk for fracture. We can ward off age-related muscle loss, termed sarcopenia , with exercise that includes a combo of cardio and strength training.

The benefits of muscle-building transcend giving you an athletic or lean physique. Adding brawn can boost your confidence to do new activities, improve your health, and amp up your life enjoyment as well as keep you feeling agile and able throughout the years. Jennifer Chesak is a Nashville-based freelance book editor and writing instructor.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Strength training isn't just about vanity. It can help control weight, stop bone loss, improve balance, and boost energy levels. Learn weight-training….

Learn about the best pre-workout nutrition strategies. Eating the right foods before a workout can maximize performance and speed up recovery. When it comes to eating foods to fuel your exercise performance, it's not as simple as choosing vegetables over doughnuts.

Learn how to choose foods…. Eating the right foods after workouts is important for muscle gain, recovery, and performance. Here is a guide to optimal post-workout nutrition. Targeting heart rate zones as you exercise is one way to maximize the benefits you get from your workouts.

Learn about your different heart rate zones…. There are several causes of numbness in your toes and feet when you run, ranging from poor-fitting shoes to health conditions like diabetes. For people who run or do other aerobic exercises on a regular basis, starting up a low heart rate training program may be frustrating at first.

The average 5K time depends on a few factors, including age, sex, and fitness level. But, you can expect to finish a 5K in roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Thinking about using an AI tool like ChatGPT to help you get in shape?

Here are the pros and cons health experts say you should consider. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Get Motivated Cardio Strength Training Yoga Rest and Recover Holistic Fitness Exercise Library Fitness News Your Fitness Toolkit.

There are specific training protocols that have been found to emphasize muscle hypertrophy. According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association NSCA , incorporating multiple sets of moderate loads creates the greatest elevation of testosterone and human growth factor, two hormones that stimulate muscle hypertrophy, when compared with low reps of high loads and high reps of low loads.

That means aiming for sets of 6 to 12 reps with loads between 65 to 85 percent of your 1 rep max , with at least 1 to 3 minutes rest between sets. In case you haven't already heard, protein is incredibly important to building muscle.

It forms the building blocks that create muscle tissue. If you don't get enough of it, all your hard work in the gym won't matter. Aim to eat at least 1. That's about the the maximum amount your body can use in a day, according to a landmark study in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

Fill your plate with protein-packed chicken, turkey, eggs, edamame, and peas. If you're still not getting enough, consider opting for a high-quality protein powder to add to smoothies or mixed with a low-fat milk as a snack.

You may be killing it in the gym, but it means nothing if you're not allowing your body time to rest and recover. You'll want to make sure you're not forgetting to program in some rest days in between your workouts—at least one a week, according to Kurt Ellis, C.

Prioritize your sleep , too. When you sleep, the growth hormones that kick start muscle growth are secreted. Ideally, you'll want to try for eight hours of sleep—but that's not always possible when life gets busy. Make sure you're getting at least at least six hours.

If you really want to put on muscle, you'll need to incorporate exercises that challenge multiple muscle groups at one time. The way to do that is by programming multi-joint movements —exercises that require the use of several muscles at one time. If you're unsure about which exercises will help you build muscle most efficiently, focus on movements that let you do three things.

Aim for multi-joint moves, as Samuel explained. Then, search for exercises that allow you to utilize the principles of progressive overload adding weight, volume, intensity, etc. so you can continually challenge your muscles and improve over time.

The final trait of moves that efficiently build muscle is this: They should allow you to work over a relatively large range of motion for the target muscles. That means big, compound movements that can move big weight, like squats, deadlifts, chest presses, and more.

Here are five of our favorite muscle-building moves. Why: The pushup challenges your entire body—if you're doing it properly. The plank position maintained throughout the movement challenges the core, shoulders, and back as you press using the chest and arms. This exercise is easily done anywhere, and can be scaled up or down based on ability.

Try slowing down the lowering portion of the movement, or adding a plate to your back for extra challenge. How to Do It:. How to Train It: Do 3 or 4 sets of as many good-form reps as you can. Why: Deadlifts are more practical than you'd expect. Think about how many times a day you bend over to pick something up, or to tie your shoes.

We mimic these motions in deadlifts, with the utilization of big muscle groups like your glutes, hamstrings, and spinal muscles. To lose fat, you must eat fewer calories than you burn. Cardiovascular exercise, or combined cardio and resistance exercise, alongside a healthy diet still stands as the best technique for fat loss -- there's just no way around the science.

Losing fat in a safe, sustainable way also means having realistic goals and not depriving your body of the nutrients it needs -- disordered eating habits are never worth the risk. To build muscle, focus on two main factors: weight training and protein consumption.

Strength training is essential to changing your body composition -- your muscles won't grow if you don't challenge them. Additionally, you can't build muscle without being in a caloric surplus, so you must eat more calories than you burn to promote muscle growth.

While all macronutrients are important, protein is especially important for building muscle. Without enough protein, your body will struggle to repair the muscle tissues that get broken down during weight training. Plus, studies show that a high-protein diet can help with losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time.

Research shows that, while in a calorie deficit, consuming more protein than you normally might can help preserve your lean body mass a. muscle mass than being in a calorie deficit without changing your protein intake.

In people who have already been following a strength training program, increasing protein intake and following a heavy weight-lifting routine leads to improvements in body composition. Bodybuilders are known for their ability to achieve incredibly lean and muscular physiques.

This obviously isn't everyone's goal, but it's a good example of what's possible with body recomposition. It sounds confusing that you have to eat fewer calories than you burn to lose fat, but you have to eat more calories than you burn to build muscle.

It's actually pretty simple when you learn about the concept of calorie cycling: modifying your calorie and macronutrient intake to match your goal for the day.

The first thing you need to do is figure out your maintenance calories, or how many calories you burn on a day you don't exercise.

You can see a certified personal trainer, dietitian or other health professional to find this number, or you can use an online calorie calculator.

This one from Mayo Clinic uses the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation , which pros consider the gold standard. On days that you do cardio exercise, you should consume enough calories to meet your maintenance number.

Consuming maintenance calories on a cardio day ensures that you're in a slight deficit to promote fat loss, but not in a deficit so large that your body starts using muscle tissue as fuel. We want the muscle! Cardio and strength training are both great forms of exercise -- but which one should you do first?

On days that you do a strength training workout for 30 minutes or more, eat more calories than your maintenance number with a focus on protein.

This number is called your "rest day calories. Think of it this way: Every day, you consume new calories and your body must decide what to do with those calories.

Your body essentially has three basic choices: immediately burn the calories for fuel, use them to repair and build muscle tissue or store them as fat. If you're looking for a body transformation, you don't want to store calories as fat.

The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review. Vikmoen, O. Strength training improves cycling performance, fractional utilization of VO2max and cycling economy in female cyclists.

Baum, J. Protein Consumption and the Elderly: What Is the Optimal Level of Intake?. Nutrients , 8 6 , Nutrition and athletic performance. Moore, D. Beyond muscle hypertrophy: why dietary protein is important for endurance athletes.

Rogers, P. Figure out how long does it take to build muscle. Verywell Fit. Carbone, J. Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit.

Nutrients , 11 5 , Park, Y. Effects of whey protein supplementation prior to, and following, resistance exercise on body composition and training responses: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Cleveland Clinic. Wax, B. Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance, with Recovery Considerations for Healthy Populations.

Nutrients , 13 6 , Trexler, E. International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition , 12 , Weber, M.

The use of BCAA to decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness after a single bout of exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Amino acids , 53 11 , — Contents Why is muscle mass important?

Importance of protein for endurance athletes Does running build muscle? How to build lean muscle Best supplements for muscle growth Meal plan for muscle gain Summary Key takeaways. Why is muscle mass important?

Furthermore, studies have also found that muscle mass may help prevent injury, increase bone density, boost metabolic rate, and help maintain overall mental well-being and cognitive function [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ].

Key takeaways Studies have found that muscle mass may help prevent injury, improve sports performance, increase bone density, contribute to metabolic rate, and help maintain overall mental well-being and cognitive function [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ].

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to muscle growth, certain supplements like Elo Smart Protein , creatine, BCAAs, and beta-alanine have been found to be effective in enhancing muscle development. References McPherron, A. Show more. Nutrition Sports Performance Endurance Running Cycling Protein.

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, optimizing your body composition can do wonders for your health. You can choose the types of movements or fitness styles you enjoy and incorporate strength training into your lifestyle. A recent study shows that training with lighter loads and more repetitions is just as effective at building muscle as training with heavy weights and fewer reps.

Just do the exercise until your muscles demand a break. Repeating a movement to fatigue is a great way to gain strength, but muscle contraction of any kind will produce powerful results, says one small study.

Aim for a mix of isotonic and isometric exercises in your fitness regimen. Hold for 30 seconds to start with and work your way up to more time. Whether doing reps or holding a static pose, compound exercises , which target multiple muscles or muscle groups, will make your efforts the most efficient.

Think burpees , side-plank rotations, and mountain climbers. These exercises often get your heart rate going and give a dose of cardio, especially if you do them as part of a HIIT circuit. Over time, you may be able to work your way to the floor. Most exercises have several modifications.

Before getting started, consider doing your own research or schedule a session with a personal trainer who can teach you moves that make sense for you. Muscle also protects your body from injury and can ease pain by addressing posture or body imbalances.

This concept leads to confusion because of the myth that muscle weighs more than fat. But a pound weighs a pound, regardless of what it contains. The process of the body attempting to recover or return to its resting state after a workout produces an extra calorie burn that can last for several hours to more than a full day.

This afterburn effect is known in scientific lingo as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption EPOC. The higher the intensity of your workout, the longer EPOC will last.

Although more research needs to be done on this topic, research suggests that increasing your muscle mass may make you less hungry, which could help with weight loss and decrease the risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

If weight loss is your goal, gaining muscle can help you look leaner, burn more energy both during and after exercise, and even potentially change your eating habits. If we have weak muscles and slump because of fatigue, we might experience achiness or stiffness.

If we strengthen our muscles, however, we can hold good posture for longer and stave off pain, according to a study.

Strength training can also correct imbalances in the body like lordosis or uneven shoulders that could lead to discomfort. After age 30, we say goodbye to approximately 3 to 8 percent of our muscle mass per decade, with even more significant losses later in life.

This muscle loss may account for more fatigue, weight gain, and increased risk for fracture. We can ward off age-related muscle loss, termed sarcopenia , with exercise that includes a combo of cardio and strength training. The benefits of muscle-building transcend giving you an athletic or lean physique.

Adding brawn can boost your confidence to do new activities, improve your health, and amp up your life enjoyment as well as keep you feeling agile and able throughout the years. Protein is essential for muscle growth and the amino acids found in protein form the building blocks of your muscle.

The aminos are involved in several processes including tissue growth, energy production, immune function and nutrient absorption. A research study found that consuming between 0. You should aim to eat protein with every meal. If you struggle to get enough protein then you should consider supplementing with a whey isolate or plant-based protein powder.

It is one of the easiest ways to help meet your protein requirements without increasing your fats or carbohydrates. If you supplement with protein powders and your goal is to build muscle, we recommend taking at least 2 scoops per day.

Avoid low-carb diets when trying to build more muscle. Carbs are protein sparing and the main energy source of the body. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that those following a low-carb diet took longer to recover, lost strength and had a decreased level of protein synthesis than those on higher carb diets 5.

Daily carbohydrate intake is dependent on your goals and day-to-day activity levels. Training volume refers to the total amount of exercise done within a given time period.

The most common measurement of this is by looking at the total number of reps, sets and load you do in a workout sets x reps x load. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning found that there is a clear dose-to-response relationship between volume and muscle growth.

The higher the training volume, the more muscle you grow 6. A review conducted by Schoenfeld et al. If you are a beginner or just starting out, we recommend starting with reps of sets per week when training the larger muscle groups Back, Chest, Legs , as you begin to adapt, slowly increase this to sets per muscle group per week.

Compound exercises involve multiple joints and muscle groups. For example back rows, squats, deadlifts, shoulder presses, pull-ups and push-ups etc. These movements require a lot more energy and produce a higher anabolic response than isolated movements. This response triggers a greater release in hormones like testosterone and human growth hormone which has a positive impact on muscle repair, growth and recovery 8, 9.

In addition, compound exercises work your stabilizing muscles, help make your joints stronger and reduce your overall risk of injury. Our muscles are very good at adapting to repeated stimuli and so it is essential to challenge them in order for them to grow.

We achieve this through progressive overload. Building lean muscle is definitely a huge topic with endless amounts of research still being conducted. We have only touched a small surface with this article as there are so many considerations to factor in. However, the 6 tips we have mentioned are a great place to start and will help to bring about great results.

The biggest takeaway we can offer is for you to understand that you are on a continuous journey and placing your focus on getting stronger and more active is a sure-fire way to ensure that you will head down the right path.

Remember to set yourself realistic goals, expectations and timeframes when it comes to your fitness journey as this will keep you both motivated and consistent.