5 Tips to Gain Weight and Muscle - If you are like most people, you’ve already given in and written yourself off the fitness front. It’s too much to be asked to let go of all those things you love to eat. As if that wasn’t enough, you are also being asked to sweat it out in the gym, put in the hours, pump out the iron, and get your muscles sore each day and go to bed with the pains. It’s tough; but for some people in this world, it’s worth every drop of sweat and every instance of overcoming temptation to eat junk. If you are one of these people intent of getting into shape, losing fat and gaining muscle quickly, here are some tips to help you:
It takes time but make it work for you: Most beginners are in a rush to get there on the stage to flaunt their beautifully developed muscles. But it’s not going to happen anytime soon. Of course, you will begin to see changes and you will get more and more confident as the days go by with you challenging yourself everyday at the gym. However, it takes a consistency that can shame the sun, perseverance and ultimate commitment.
Plan a schedule and stick to it: If you are a beginner, you have a schedule. You have come to the ‘Intermediate’ or ‘advanced’ stages, you still have a schedule. Make a plan for your diet, your exercise regimen. Keep notes and maintain a log-book of your routines – complete with the different exercises, sets and reps in each set along with the poundage. This schedule shouldn’t change for any reason whatsoever.
Don’t push yourself beyond your zone: Too many beginners get injured, give up hope, frustrate themselves to the point of quitting or simply see no results since they don’t take the time out to figure out their own limits; you’ve to know your thresholds. A good way to get started is to ask your trainer/coach. Another way is to experiment with lighter weights and proceed carefully, slowly pushing yourself beyond this comfort zone.
It’s not just about muscles; there’s the mind too: Top body builders, athletes, sports persons and almost anyone successful in any field will vouch for the importance of the mind in their achievements. Even for body building, there’s this mind-body connection. Visualize where you want to go with your weight training; determine your goals early on and then do everything you can to get there. It’s a powerful tool that too many gym goers are too busy to notice and apply.
Eat right: Jettison fat and focus on protein; No-carb or low-carb with high-protein are some of the common snippets of advice most people throw at you ask for the best way to eat for weight loss and muscle gain. It’s ridiculous because you are kicking life sciences right on the stomach. Human body needs Carbohydrates, proteins, essential fats, vitamins and minerals to be healthy. How can you deprive it of anything? The key is to have a balanced diet – a correct mix of all of those elements mentioned above. Of course, you can use supplements to boost protein intake but nothing can supplement a balanced diet.