Before you start a new muscle building program there are 5 things you need to consider. By taking a few minutes to think about these could stop you wasting your time and money.
How fast do you want to build muscle?
For most of us we can’t build it fast enough. You need to be realistic about your goals and how big you want to get. It’s not impossible to put on over 30 pounds of lean muscle in 6 months, it will take a lot of dedication but you can do it. Set realistic, achievable goals and you won’t be disappointed.
How long in the gym?
That depends on your goals. Most people spend far too long in the gym. You really only need 40 minutes of intense exercise to build muscle and about 20 minutes of intense cardio too burn unwanted fat. If you train for longer than this you run the risk of over training and not getting the results you want. 3-4 sessions a week is defiantly enough.
Diet.
When beginners start a muscle building diet they often get this wrong. Yes you will need to increase your intake of calories but you can’t eat everything in sight. You will be working out harder to build muscle and you will need to work harder on your diet. Eat lean meats, good carbs and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Workout at home or in the gym?
With today’s busy lifestyles more and more people are working out from home. If you can afford to join a gym take full advantage of it. So many people join a gym and never go. By setting up at home you can workout when you want. If you have a spare 20 minutes go lift some weight, you don’t need to drive anywhere and its right there.
Supplements, yes or no?
Personally, no. When you first begin your muscle building program you need to get into a routine. This takes time. You need to become used to your diet as well as your weight training programs. When you have built a solid foundation and have visible results then you may want to consider supplements.
Take your time and consider the 5 tips mentioned here and try and tailor your program to you, make it as individualized as possible for maximum effect. Are your goals realistic and achievable? Do you really need to spend money on supplements? How can you use your time effectively when working out? Join a gym or workout at home and get your diet right.
