Do you have “the Right Stuff” to build More Muscle Mass?

If I surveyed 100 people who exercise and asked them to name their Number 1 Strength Training Goal, I would get a variety of answers such as Get fit, healthier body, better golf game, more endurance, more energy, stronger, bigger muscles etc.

However, the Number 1 answer by far to this survey question is the last one, which is
to “get bigger muscles” or “build more muscle mass”. The reason this answer is the
most requested goal is because we are a results oriented society looking for outcomes that are both visible and measurable to make us look better. In other words, most people will say “we want results and we want them now!”

But, while we are building muscle mass , we should remember that we are also building strength, which is a much more important goal. So, while you are working out, be aware that if you are getting stronger, you are in the process of building more muscle mass.

I know from four decades of experience in the health & fitness industry that if you
perform progressive strength training, you will “get stronger” and you will “build
muscle mass”. Building muscle mass is the natural by-product of getting stronger if you have “the right stuff”.

Now, what do I mean by “the right stuff”?

Well, you must have some potential to build some level of muscle mass. I have always said that “we cannot pick our parents but some of us are blessed more than others with good genes”. This genetic predisposition may show up as having naturally muscular bodies like the Professional Body Builders. Sometimes it may show up as being muscular in specific areas of the body.

To build muscle mass and see results faster:

#1 Reduce the frequency of training to 2 workouts per week

#2 Reduce the number of exercises in your workout & reduce the number of sets to 1 set to failure per exercise

#3 Increase the intensity of effort

Just remember: We can all build some level of muscle mass with hard/intense
workouts, healthy diets, plenty of rest, and a lot of commitment, but we must be aware of our potential and our limitations. Not only can most of us not look like the Professional Body Builders, we probably do not want to! Those in the body building culture have the genetic predisposition, symmetry, and shape to compete in that sport that the majority of the world’s population do not have.

Let’s face it, in the end we are all trying to build our bodies therefore we are all “body
builders” to some level therefore keep it in perspective and don’t take your strength
training to the extreme.

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