Are you having trouble opening a pickle jar? Does carrying your laundry up the stairs leave you winded? Many people believe that cardiovascular exercise is enough, but building muscle can both help you lose weight and stay healthy. The ideas in this article will help you to build muscle simply and easily, so keep reading!
When trying to add muscle, eat an adequate amount of protein each day. Muscles are comprised of protein, so its availability is key to increasing your strength. If you do not consume enough protein, it will be extremely difficult to increase your muscle mass. Strive to consume lean, healthy proteins with at least two of your three meals.
If you are working toward “bulking up” your muscles, do not do cardio for more than 90 minutes per workout. Too much cardio can cause the body to form “lean muscle” instead of the bulk that you desire. Cardio is very important, but put a limit on it for best results.
Make sure to get an ample amount of sleep each night. Your muscles need time to repair themselves after you strain them during weight lifting sessions. If you do not allow the muscles to rest enough, it can lessen the results that you see from your weight lifting efforts dramatically.
Many people who wish to build muscle use protein shakes and meal replacements. It is important to note however that there is a distinction between the two. It can be dangerous to your health to use protein shakes frequently as a meal replacement. A full meal contains many essential nutrients that are not included in protein shakes. In addition, living off protein shakes can leave your muscles soft which negates your muscle building efforts.
Eat well on the days you workout your muscles. One hour prior to exercising, take in more calories. Don't overeat on workout days, but eat more than days that you aren't planning on weight training.
You need to know how many calories to eat per day in order to gain the muscle you want to gain. To determine your daily calorie intake you should multiple your weight by 15. The resulting number is the number of calories your body needs to build muscle and burn as much fat as possible.
Try to cycle your food intake when you are trying to gain muscle mass. The best way to do this is to eat well on the days you exercise, and cut back on the days that you do not. Your body will burn the calories more effectively when you exercise on the days you eat well.
When you first start working out, do not try increasing the weight you are lifting. Instead, work on improving your stamina by doing longer sets or simply more sets. Once working out becomes easier, you can start adding weight or trying harder exercises to keep your routine interesting and challenging.
Once you put this information to work, the pickle jar will be under your control and you'll be able to run up and down the stairs all day long! Having a fit and healthy body starts with taking care of it, which includes both cardiovascular exercise AND muscle building. Good luck!