Building up muscle is incredibly important when you’re looking to get fit. Not only will it help to build your endurance and burn calories faster, but building muscle is also the first step towards having a body that looks and feels great. The idea of building up muscle can be a bit intimidating, though, especially for those who instantly picture buff bodybuilders when presented with the idea of lifting weights.
Naturally, there is a way to build lean muscle without becoming overly bulky. By making a few dietary changes, adding a few muscle-building exercises to your fitness regimen, and taking into account a few additional training tips, you can start building lean muscle surprisingly fast.
Drop the Fat
Even if you don’t have any significant weight loss goals, remember that just a little bit of excessive fat on your body can obscure the lean muscle lying in wait underneath. We’re not saying you have to drop five dress sizes to achieve your goals of having a lean, muscular body. Just adding in a bit of cardio and trimming up where it counts can go a long way towards helping you reach your goals.
Pick Protein
So when you’re looking to build lean muscle, what should you be stocking up on in your pantry and your fridge? First and foremost, remember just how important protein is to building strong, lean muscles. Eggs can be enjoyed throughout the day, and are an incredible protein source. Don’t discount poultry such as chicken and turkey, and be sure to pick up fish such as salmon for an additional protein boost.
Top Carb Choices
Carbs are important for building lean muscle, but unless you engage in pretty intense cardio on a regular basis or could stand to gain a bit of weight while you gain muscle, healthy and carb-rich fruits such as banana or pineapple are the best option.
Compound Exercises
When it comes time to begin building those muscles, weight training may seem like the way to go. However, for the majority of people, simple compound exercises that work out multiple muscle groups are the best option. These include kettle bell workouts as well as push-ups and combined cardio/weight training exercises.
Prioritize Recovery
Your body needs ample amounts of recovery time in order to build up strong, lean, healthy muscles. That’s why it’s important for you to prioritize rest and recuperation as a part of your overall fitness strategy. Building muscle does require pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion, but unless you also allow your body time to build up that muscle between exercise sessions, you could be at serious risk of burnout.
Keep all of these tips in mind as you begin working toward a lean, healthy body. Remember that building lean muscle requires careful attention to all aspects of your fitness routine, from what you’re eating to how you’re working out. Simply taking the steps to ensure you’re leading a balanced fitness lifestyle can help you build the muscle that you want in a big way.
