There are few skills in the gym more valuable than learning how to deadlift with proper form. However, if you truly want to discover how to build muscle you need to learn how to supplement your hard training with a good muscle building diet.
The worst mistake you can make in your quest to pack on lean size is to restrict your ambitions to the gym alone.
But even though it makes sense to watch what you eat, many men fall into the deadly trap of presuming they can gorge on whatever food they like then justify it by claiming they are trying to bulk up. A dirty bulk results in dirty weight being added.
For many, the diet is actually the hardest challenge of their quest to get lean. They find it easier, perhaps even fun, to workout at close to their maximum ability every day but they find it almost impossible to resist the temptation of junk food and alcohol outside of the gym.
Now, there are groups of people who totally neglect their diet out of nothing more than a lack of self discipline. That's their choice. But there are another group here, a group who want to get results but simply do not know where to get started with all the information out there offering different advice.
But there is a simple system you can use to get your gains on the right track. It is as follows:
1. Consume around 1.5g protein per pound of body weight.
2. Aim to eat about 2 grams of carbohydrates per lb of your weight
3. Aim to eat about 0.5 grams of fat per lb of your weight.
Obviously, one size does not fit all here. You have the freedom to experiment with the formula and find a balance that works best for you, but these steps will at least serve the purpose of getting you on to the correct path.
You may be somewhat surprised to hear this, but the main nutrient which most people are lacking is protein. Sure, most guys purchase a whey protein supplement these days but the majority are doing it just because society tells them they need one. For many, this is the only protein they intake on a daily basis and it is simply not enough to build lean size.
Fats are also often avoided by mistake. They share the same name as the thing which most men are trying to shed from their midsection, but that does not mean eating fat is bad. In fact, eating plenty of healthy fats as well as some unhealthy fats has been scientifically shown to boost muscle retention as well as fat loss!
Of the three nutrients, though, carbohydrates are your secret weapon. They hold the key. Too few and you will start to drop weight, too many and you will begin adding body fat. That's the reason you should start with around 2g per pound of your body weight, before increasing or decreasing your intake depending upon your individual results in the first two weeks.
What you do in the gym only plays a small role in the physique you are trying to build. Learning how to build muscle in the kitchen is really as important as perfecting your lifts and smashing a brand new personal best lift in the squat rack.
The worst mistake you can make in your quest to pack on lean size is to restrict your ambitions to the gym alone.
But even though it makes sense to watch what you eat, many men fall into the deadly trap of presuming they can gorge on whatever food they like then justify it by claiming they are trying to bulk up. A dirty bulk results in dirty weight being added.
For many, the diet is actually the hardest challenge of their quest to get lean. They find it easier, perhaps even fun, to workout at close to their maximum ability every day but they find it almost impossible to resist the temptation of junk food and alcohol outside of the gym.
Now, there are groups of people who totally neglect their diet out of nothing more than a lack of self discipline. That's their choice. But there are another group here, a group who want to get results but simply do not know where to get started with all the information out there offering different advice.
But there is a simple system you can use to get your gains on the right track. It is as follows:
1. Consume around 1.5g protein per pound of body weight.
2. Aim to eat about 2 grams of carbohydrates per lb of your weight
3. Aim to eat about 0.5 grams of fat per lb of your weight.
Obviously, one size does not fit all here. You have the freedom to experiment with the formula and find a balance that works best for you, but these steps will at least serve the purpose of getting you on to the correct path.
You may be somewhat surprised to hear this, but the main nutrient which most people are lacking is protein. Sure, most guys purchase a whey protein supplement these days but the majority are doing it just because society tells them they need one. For many, this is the only protein they intake on a daily basis and it is simply not enough to build lean size.
Fats are also often avoided by mistake. They share the same name as the thing which most men are trying to shed from their midsection, but that does not mean eating fat is bad. In fact, eating plenty of healthy fats as well as some unhealthy fats has been scientifically shown to boost muscle retention as well as fat loss!
Of the three nutrients, though, carbohydrates are your secret weapon. They hold the key. Too few and you will start to drop weight, too many and you will begin adding body fat. That's the reason you should start with around 2g per pound of your body weight, before increasing or decreasing your intake depending upon your individual results in the first two weeks.
What you do in the gym only plays a small role in the physique you are trying to build. Learning how to build muscle in the kitchen is really as important as perfecting your lifts and smashing a brand new personal best lift in the squat rack.
About the Author:
Next step: You can see the exact strategy teaching you how to deadlift as well as crucial, simple tips discussing how to build muscle straight from Russ Howe PTI, the UK's most watched source of personal training information online.
