How can you gain muscle fast? Many people have this question because they don’t have time to spend hours in the gym. The key to gaining muscle fast lies in your diet and your workouts, as well as some specific techniques that enable you to promote muscle growth more quickly and easily than you might think possible. Here are some important tips on how to gain muscle fast, no matter where you’re starting from right now.
Setting Up for Success
If you’re serious about getting bigger, you’ll need to ensure that your diet is set up correctly. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re trying to add muscle size and strength, you should be eating around .75 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day. Remember, though, that everyone’s body responds differently to different types of food so trial-and-error may be necessary for a time in order for you to figure out what works best for you. Don’t forget to also take into account how much activity you do as well; more active individuals will require more calories than those who are sedentary.
Sleep 8 Hours a Night
Sleep is crucial for building muscle since it’s when your body repairs itself after a day of training. On average, you need about eight hours of sleep a night in order to build muscle, so make sure you have time in your schedule for a proper slumber. That means no staying up late scrolling through Facebook or Instagram! You should also try to avoid naps during the day, as these will only interfere with nighttime sleep. Make sure that you get plenty of natural light throughout each day, and that your bedroom isn’t too hot or cold—you should be comfortable while sleeping. Title: The Importance of Getting Enough Sleep When Trying to Build Muscle
Keep Nutritional Records
The single most important aspect of gaining muscle is making sure you’re eating enough calories for your goal. How can you do that? I recommend starting a nutritional log as soon as possible so that you can see what you’re currently eating (and if it’s enough). It may also be helpful to invest in some kitchen scales and write down exactly how much protein, carbohydrates, and fat you eat each day. Not only will you know how many calories you need to consume, but writing everything down will force you to think about every single morsel of food that passes your lips.
Eat More Protein
Muscles are made out of protein—the more muscle you have, the higher your overall metabolic rate will be. The amount of protein your body requires every day depends on your size and activity level, but most people need a daily minimum of 0.8 grams for each pound they weigh (1.4 grams for each kilogram). As long as you’re eating enough protein in your diet, weight training is all it takes to build muscle at any age. So start by adding a few servings of lean meat or fish to each meal, or opt for vegetarian sources like legumes and whole grains. Don’t Skip Meals: Skipping meals may seem like an easy way to lose weight quickly, but that’s not how muscles work. When you skip meals, your body has no choice but to break down its own tissue (muscle) in order to use amino acids as energy.
Limit Refined Sugar
Sugar and refined carbs spike your insulin levels, which promotes fat storage. A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates—like crackers, cakes, cookies, candy, etc.—can wreak havoc on your ability to build muscle. If you’re trying to bulk up but aren’t seeing results you’re happy with (or are noticing more fat than muscle), cut back on these foods as much as possible. Instead of eating a plate full of pasta at night, have a couple slices of whole-wheat bread. Instead of snacking on sugary cereal or baked goods throughout your day, try fruit for a quick pick-me-up that won’t negatively impact your body composition or overall health.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most common reasons why individuals fail when trying to build muscle is because they don’t get enough water. Although it may seem counterintuitive, you can actually help your body recover more quickly if you consume plenty of fluids after a workout. In addition, making sure you stay well hydrated will help your body gain muscle more quickly and can actually aid fat loss as well. So drink up! A lot of people associate protein with building muscle, but that isn’t always true. The truth is that everyone needs protein in their diet—and athletes need even more than others—but there are different kinds of proteins available for consumption. For example, whey protein powder contains a high amount of leucine which aids in recovery from exercise.
Use the Right Supplements
Building muscle takes hard work, focus, and plenty of time in the gym. If you are serious about getting big and strong, there are a few supplements that can help speed up your progress. Before buying any supplements though, be sure to do your research and ask questions. Talk to other bodybuilders, read articles online, or check out books at your local library.