Lean muscle mass refers to the weight of your muscles without including fat or bone tissue. In other words, it's the amount of muscle you have on your body. Here are some key things to know:
Building lean muscle is important for several reasons:
Gaining lean muscle requires a combination of strength training and proper nutrition. Consuming enough protein and calories gives your muscles the fuel they need to grow. Working them out with resistance/weight training then stimulates them to get bigger and stronger.
Some good protein sources include:
Getting stronger over time and progressively overloading your muscles is key for growth. This means lifting heavier weights and doing more reps, sets, or resistance as you become capable of handling more.
Pro tip: Consider working with a personal trainer at Hormone Wellness Center. Their certified professionals can design a customized nutrition and training program to help you safely and effectively build lean muscle.
Now let's talk about measuring progress. While the scale weight may increase as you build muscle, it's better to take body measurements with a tape measure. Track progress monthly by measuring chest, arms, waist, hips, and thighs.
You can also monitor changes in the mirror and how your strength and endurance improves session to session. Building lean muscle takes consistency and patience over months and years.
Common mistakes are not eating enough protein or calories, overtraining certain muscle groups, and neglecting compound lifts that work multiple large muscles at once. Ensure you're fueling your body properly and following a structured workout routine for optimal gains.
In summary:
Have questions? Reach out anytime to Hormone Wellness Center for customized advice on strategically building lean, strong muscle.