How To Build Muscle

One of the hallmark features of aging is the loss of muscular mass and strength. Much of this loss can be explained by changes to the neuromuscular system such as decreased number of motor neurons, decreased number of muscle fibers, and decrease muscle fiber size. But it is important to ask whether these changes are a consequence of aging or simply a result of an inactive lifestyle.

Age-Related Changes to Muscle
The age related decline in muscle mass appears to occur in 2 phases. The first or “slow” phase of muscle loss, in which 10% of muscle mass is lost, occurs between the ages of 25 and 50. The majority of muscle loss occurs thereafter where an additional 40% is lost from the ages of 50 to 85. Overall, the human body loses 50% of its muscle mass by the age of 80. This muscle atrophy can be explained by significant decreases in both the total number of muscle fibers, as well as in muscle fiber size.

It has been shown that aging results in a loss of the power and speed producing fast twitch fibers (particularly IIb) and an increase in the more aerobic slow twitch fibers. This seems to make sense since movements that demand a high velocity of contraction (such as jumping and sprinting) tend to be less in the older years.
Mechanisms of Strength Loss

The problems with decreasing strength can be seen in its contribution to osteoporotic decline in bone density, arthritic joint pain, and an overall reduced functional capacity.

With the loss in muscle mass evidently comes a decrease in muscular strength. However, as with muscle loss, most strength losses are not significant until the sixth decade. As briefly mentioned, this loss in strength can be attributed to a decrease in the number of motor units (nerve-muscle fiber complex), the decreased number of muscle fibers and the reduction in muscle fiber size. It is also known that a decline in leg strength precedes upper extremity strength loss in the elderly. This is important due to the fact that strength, rather than cardiovascular function, is considered to be the most physically limiting factor in the elderly. This is apparent when considering strength-limiting activities faced by many seniors such as getting up from a seated position or walking up stairs.

Encouraging is the finding that aging does not seem to effect eccentric strength. This phase of contraction is an important consideration for the elderly due to the possible linkage between poor eccentric strength and the incidence of falls in the elderly.

The Importance of Active Living
Regular exercise is the most effective way to slow and counteract the effects of age-related muscle and strength loss. Comparisons between active and sedentary older adults suggest that much of the strength loss with aging is due lifestyle factors. For example, individuals who continue to use certain muscles on a regular basis do not show the same age-related decreases in strength. In general, muscle atrophy, and thus strength loss, will occur any time the muscles are not required to work against a given load. The result will be a decrease in protein synthesis accompanied by an increase in protein breakdown. Overall, the muscle atrophies and loses much of its strength, characteristics commonly seen in astronauts during space flight. Incorporating regular resistance training is the most effective means of attenuating this effect.
Encouraging Findings

Studies have consistently shown that regular exercise can improve muscular endurance and strength in the elderly in a manner similar to that observed in young people. One of the largest studies in this field was done at McMaster University several years ago. The researchers looked at the effects of 2 years of twice/weekly strength training (80-85% 1RM) across 114 subjects between the ages of 60-80 years. The results indicated steady increases in strength in each of the muscle groups tested with no evidence of plateauing. There were also significant increases in muscle mass accompanying the gains in strength and, perhaps more importantly, there was evidence that these strength gains translated into improved function (as measured by walking and stair climbing performance).

Although there are certain unavoidable changes that occur with aging, it is possible to delay or attenuate the losses muscle mass and strength normally accompanying these changes. Since so many daily living activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing up from a chair are so dependent on strength it is imperative to minimize the age-related loss in strength as much as possible. The muscles in older adults maintain their ability to adapt; therefore, regular resistance training (2-3x/week) should be implemented into the lifestyle of such individuals. Moreover, a similar strength training protocol needs to be employed in younger adults as means of prevention and staying healthy into the golden years!

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Most people new to bodybuilding pay a lot of attention to building big arms, sometimes to the point of overtraining. Don’t forget, the arm muscles are brought into play during most exercises aimed at other body parts so care must be taken not to overdo things.

Having said that, the arms are complex body parts in their own right and deserve a properly focused exercise program. In basic terms the arm consists of three main muscle groups:

1. Biceps brachii – two muscles at the front upper arm that run from the elbow to the shoulders.
2. Triceps brachii – three muscles at the rear upper arm that run from the elbow to the shoulder.
3. Forearm – several smaller muscles that run from the elbow to the wrist.
There are seven classic exercises that will allow beginners to get off to a good muscle building start without overstraining their bodies. For all of the exercises that follow, use a weight that is light enough to allow between 10-15 reps.

Three biceps building exercises are recommended for beginners:
1. Standing barbell curl – 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
2. Alternative standing dumbbell curls – 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
3. Preacher bench curls – 3 sets of 10-15 reps.

Three triceps building exercises are recommended for beginners:
1. Dips – 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
2. Close grip bench press – 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
3. EZ bar lying extensions – 3 sets of 10-15 reps.

One forearm building exercise is recommended for beginners:
1. EZ bar reverse curls – 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
As with all exercises you need to take care in scheduling specific body parts. To begin with you should incorporate your arm exercises into a program similar to the one suggested below:
Day 1: Biceps, Back, Abs
Day 2: Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs
Day 3: Quads, Forearms, Calves
Day 4: Triceps, Chest, Abs

For the first couple of weeks complete one set but then add one set each week to a maximum of three. At the end of three months you will be ready to move on to more intensive intermediate level exercises.

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From a bodybuilder’s perspective one of the most important body areas is the back. Not only can it be visually impressive but a strong back is essential for intensive training and day to day living. In bodybuilding you are aiming for three things with regard to developing the back muscles:
- Thickness of the upper back (traps).
- Wide lats.
- Highly defined lower back (spinal erectors and lower lats).
As a beginner there are five essential exercises for developing these muscles quickly:
1. Dumbbell shrugs – 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise will develop the traps.
2. Seated V-bar cable rows – 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise will develop the mid upper back.
3. Bent over barbell rows – 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise will add thickness to the upper back.
4. Pullups – Aim for 25 reps. This exercise will strengthen the entire back.
5. Pulldowns – 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise will define the lats.
As with all exercises you need to take care in scheduling specific body parts. To begin with you should incorporate your back exercises into a program similar to the one suggested below:
Day 1: Biceps, Back, Abs
Day 2: Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs
Day 3: Quads, Forearms, Calves
Day 4: Triceps, Chest, Abs
For the first couple of weeks complete one set but then add one set each week to a maximum of three. At the end of three months you will be ready to move on to more intensive intermediate level exercises.

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Some people think that gaining muscles is as easy as popping a can of soda. Well it’s not that easy. You have to wait for months to see acceptable results. You have to consider a lot of things if you’re aiming for firm and perfect muscles. First, the things that you eat must be healthy in order for you to sustain your body’s exertion in gaining mass. You have to observe the proper ways of exercise and your muscle growth should be assessed. Here, you will know whether or not you have the appropriate genes to be able to build and gain muscles more quickly than the other.

If you don’t see anything that fits your type, worry not, because this is just one of those many factors that can determine the duration of muscle growth. It is also helpful that you know the type of body that you have and the kind of muscle that you wanted to build because through this knowledge, you will know the right kind of exercise and nutritional program that will suit your body’s requirement to grow.

There are three body types and the specific characteristic underneath it.

Type 1 – Endomorph
As an endomorph, you have a naturally large frame for a body and a round face with wider hips and bigger bones but has slower metabolism. This is the type of body that gains body fat and weight easily but also the type of person can have the capability to gain mass in a quicker way. The only problem that you will encounter is that your muscles tend to hide under the fat that you have which will make you look bulkier and clumsier. Even if you develop six packs, it wouldn’t be that prominent because of your fat tummy.

That is why, you have to grow muscles and at the same time burn the unnecessary fats for your muscles to be revealed and more defined. End point: you have to spend more time inside the gym because aside from wanting to refined muscles, you have to burn those fats away.

Type 2 – Mesomorph
These are the persons who are naturally blessed with a body that has a wider shoulder and a more muscular body. You also have a small waist and a frame fit for entering athletic competitions. Because your body has lower contents of body fat, you also have an increase metabolic rate. Because of your general predisposition, you can pack those muscles and develop it really fast. You have the tendency to naturally excel in any kind of sport that you want because your body can easily adapt to it.

Type 3 – Ectomorph
Skinny type and small muscles that is what you are. You have a high level of metabolism with narrow hips, waist and shoulders. With this kind of stature, you will find it hard to gain on some muscles and weight. No matter how much effort you put in eating, you’ll still get the skinny frame. This kind of frame will make it harder for you to build some mass because your proteins and fats don’t last long.

People who fall under one of these criteria can have the specific unilateral characteristics or others may have mix of it. Either way, you now know that it will greatly depend on your body type and on how long you can gain muscles.

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As an ultra skinny person, you will find it very hard to gain muscles. If you think that spending a lot of time in the gym and doing long workouts will be able to help you gain muscles, you better think again. Although this may work, you have to consider that there are incorrect ways to do it and there are correct ways to do it.

By sticking to the principles of body building, you will be able to get the results you want in no time at all. So, if you are ever wondering why you can't gain muscles besides the fact that you spend a lot of time in the gym, here are some tips that will be able to enlighten you.

First of all, some people think that lifting weights rapidly will get them to gain muscles at a much efficient rate. However, what this does is exactly the opposite. You have to remember that in body building, you need to do each exercise in slow controlled movements. Fluidity is the key to exercising. This is because slow controlled movements encourage maximum muscle contractions, which means more efficient muscle building.

A few hours before and after you hit the gym, eat foods with high protein content. This will strengthen your muscles more and it encourages muscle tissue repair, which means that you will be able to gain muscles faster. Some people go on a diet and never eat anything before and after they go to the gym. This is a mistake. Besides, where will you be able to get the energy for all that heavy lifting?

Another mistake is exercising the same muscles everyday. This will do exactly the opposite when you want to gain muscle mass. Always remember that rest is the key to muscle gain. Always give the muscles you worked out today at least one or two days rest. For example, if you worked out the back and biceps today, never do the same exercises the next day. Give it time to repair itself and build more muscle tissues.

You need to remember that you don’t gain muscles when you are working out. You injure it. When you rest, the body will compensate for the muscle tissue injury by producing more muscle tissues. The result is muscle gain. Resting is the best way to repair muscle tissues so get plenty of rest.

Every time you hit the gym, always go for heavier weights. However, don’t try to lift weights that are too heavy for you that you can’t complete a set and don’t go for weights that are too light that it doesn’t provide contractions in your muscles.

These are the things that you have to remember about body building. Always keep in mind that going to the gym everyday will not cut it. If you want to gain muscles, then you have to properly exercise each muscle group, eat the right kinds of food, and also get plenty of rest.

Remember these tips and you can be sure that you will be able to gain muscle in no time at all. Try exercising two muscle groups in one day and exercise two different muscle groups on the other day. Or, if you really want to be sure about your body building program, you might want to consult a professional trainer. They will be able to help you out with what kind of body building program and exercises that is right for you.

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A lot of people don’t know for a fact that there is a right way to gain muscles and there are wrong ways to do it. And, many people do the wrong way and ends up getting frustrated as they can't get the results they want.

Doing it the wrong way will not only mean slow results, but it will also mean injuries that may hinder you from exercising regularly and correctly.

Body building is also considered as science. There are correct procedures for it in order for you to get the results you want.

First of all, a lot of people think that in order to gain muscle, they need to exercise the same muscles everyday. This is in fact a mistake. It will do the exact opposite of what you want. Instead of gaining muscles, you will in fact lose muscles.

Lifting weights does not make your muscles bigger. It injures it. So, when you lift weights, you are deliberately injuring your muscles. So, which part of the exercises makes the muscles bigger? Well, you'll be surprised to know that resting is what makes the muscles bigger.

For example, if you worked out your biceps, you are deliberately injuring it. When it is injured, the body will react by producing more muscle tissues in the injured part in this case, the biceps. The fastest way to repair muscle and gain muscle tissues is if you sleep. This is the time where muscle repair is the most efficient.

So, the key to muscle gain is to actually get enough rest after working out. It is not advisable to work out the same muscle group everyday as it will not efficiently gain muscle as it takes at least two days of good sleep to fully replace the injured muscles with much bigger and stronger muscle tissues. So, when you work out, try providing some intervals on what muscle group you have to work out on each day.

A good example would be working out the chest and triceps on day one, back and biceps on day two, and legs and shoulders on day three. The abdominal muscles should be worked out everyday.

Try to provide four to five exercises on each of the muscle groups with 3 sets with 10 repetitions each.

However, you might want to change the exercises for each muscle group every two weeks in order to avoid the plateau where the muscles will get so used to the exercises that it will not grow any larger.

Another mistake that people do when it comes to body building is that they often execute the exercises at a very fast rate. They may think that this is a more efficient way to build muscles, but it's actually not. You have to execute the exercises in a smooth, controlled, and slow motions in order to promote maximum muscle contractions.

These are just some of the correct ways to gain muscle. Always remember that muscle gain is not just about lifting weights but there is a system that you need to follow in order for you to gain muscles efficiently and get the results you want at the soonest time possible. In fact, it is very possible to gain muscles in just a matter of weeks. Do it right and you will see fast results.

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A quick informative article debunking the most common myths surrounding abs.

Myth #1

Abdominal muscle is different from regular muscle.

Your abdominal muscles are just like every other muscle in your body. The abdominal is different only in location and unlike biceps or quads they don’t rest on a bony surface. So you should train them the same way you would train, say, your biceps or your chest. The basic laws of physiology apply to all your muscles, including your abs. This means that you have to do exercises in the correct plane of movement to effectively work the muscle.

Myth #2

You have to train your abs everyday.

The rules of weight training state that you should give your muscles at least, a day of rest to recover and this applies to your abs as well. Instead of working your back everyday, do them every other day or even just three times a week. They need a break just like the rest of your body. The trick is to train them hard.

Myth #3

Doing ab exercises gets rid of abdominal fat.

There is no such thing as spot reduction. People assume that if you have fat deposits on your abdominal, exercising the muscles underlying the fat will make it go away. But they assume wrong. You can’t get rid of the fat over a muscle by repeatedly exercising that body part. The only way to burn fat from your tummy is through prolonged exercise and a healthy, low calorie diet.

Myth #4

High repetitions are required to make gains.

As you’ve read earlier, abs are just like every other muscle in your body. That means, you should train your abs the same way as the rest of your muscle groups. To make strength gains with your abs, you have to overload your muscles.

Myth #5

Anyone can have a flat stomach.

For many people it’s not physiologically possible to achieve a flat stomach. In most of us the abdominal muscles are designed to be somewhat rounded, not flat. Age, genetics, gender all these factors decide the size, shape and appearance of you belly.

Myth #6

If you have a bad back, training the abs will worsen it.

Training your abs will strengthen you back. The opposing muscles in you body always assist each other. So if you have weak ab muscles, the load of the work falls on the back. So strengthen the abs and your back will become stronger as well.

Don’t waste time by falling victim to six main ab myths. Train intelligently in accordance with scientifically based training techniques and get super abs.

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