Improving muscle mass and strength is essential for overall health and well-being. Building more muscle can help you burn more calories, even at rest, thus helping you lose/maintain weight. It can also aid in improving bone density as you age, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Stronger muscles will also allow you to perform your daily tasks and chores with great ease. It is clear there are several benefits to improving muscle mass, but it is often unclear how to best go about it.
Increase your protein intake
Adequate protein intake is imperative for muscle repair and growth. Anabolic steroids are often considered the best alternative for people with little to no muscle mass as they help you gain muscle in a shorter period. Upon consulting with a healthcare professional, they can be safely used to increase protein synthesis in the body, thus leading to the development of muscle tissue. Additionally, they can also reduce inflammation and help repair damaged tissue. Click here to learn more!
Alternatively, there are several food sources of protein, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The recommended daily average of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for an individual engaging in minimal activity, and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for someone engaging in intense physical activity.
Protein supplements have created huge waves in the market, providing a convenient method of achieving your daily recommended protein intake, and more, by offering whey protein and plant protein isolates that can be added to shakes or smoothies, or even in your food. It is important to remember that your body has a maximum muscle-building rate, and any calories beyond that limit will be stored as fat. So, if your goal is to have defined muscles, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist to avoid gaining excess body fat.
Exercise regularly
Resistance training has also proven to be extremely effective. Lifting weights and using resistance bands fatigues the muscles due to repeated contractions, and as a result, the muscles become stronger and larger as they recover. However, it is important to progressively overload the muscles by gradually increasing the demands placed on them while training, to avoid any overexertion or injuries. Consulting a certified fitness professional will help you devise an ideal routine that accounts for adequate rest and recovery for your muscles to repair and rebuild themselves, thus optimizing your fitness goal.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves short bursts of intense activity followed by rest periods that are highly effective at building muscle. Depending on your physique goals, you must choose your workout plan wisely along with the right sets of reps and weights.
Building muscle mass and strength is critical with its multitude of benefits. Incorporating a combination of the above methods can be effective in improving your muscle mass and strength. Not only will it help in lowering the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, but it also helps in improving mental health and sleep quality, and therefore, it must be taken very seriously.