MASS? Not That Hard!
By Paul Becker owner of http://www.TrulyHuge.com
Gaining mass and strength is not a hard concept, but most people make a mountain out of a mole-hill and as a result usually get discouraged. There are three key elements to putting on mass:
1. A good mass workout plan
2. Time for recovery and rest
3. Proper diet
When these 3 key elements are used together the results will change your outlook on what is possible when your goal is to put on weight in a short amount of time.
So step one, a good mass workout plan; consists of a strict outline and is centered on your personal weight gain goals. My personal mass workout plan is a good example of what an outline should look like and helped me go from 120 pounds to 170 pounds of muscle mass. Also resulting in a max bench press of 360 lbs. My Mass workout routine is as follows.
Monday: Chest & Triceps
Tuesday: Back & Biceps
Wednesday: Legs & Shoulders
Thursday: Off
Friday: Chest & Triceps
Saturday: Back & Biceps
Sunday: Legs & Shoulders
Using this mass workout routine I was able to hit everybody part twice a week ensuring maximum growth. Now, in the routine it says one day off but getting to the point where you are not sore for days on end to take just one day off will take some time. It is important to listen to your body. If you are too sore to train then REST! Your body grows faster with more rest. Get at least 8 hours of sleep while your training hard to grow. Again your body grows faster when you rest!
Another thing to keep in mind is the human body is a great machine and it adapts. What this means is mix it up! Your body will get used to the routine you are using and you will stop getting sore. You do not want this to happen, even after training hard for two years I still get sore. You want to get sore after every workout, this way you know you are breaking down the muscle which ensures that you are growing and gaining as you push toward your goals.
Now for the most important part to this mass gaining game, I will say it again the MOST IMPORTANT PART is having a good solid mass gaining diet. Without the proper diet and supplements you are wasting your time. Unfortunately, I found this out the hard way. For six months I trained and trained day in and day out and maybe put on five pounds at most. SIX MONTHS PEOPLE! This was all because I was not taking in the right amount and types of food. It is an understatement to say that it was discouraging. I do not want this to happen to you so I am going to drive this point home. HAVE A GOOD SOLID MASS GAINING DIET!
Now what does a good diet look like? A good mass gaining diet consists of six to seven meals a day with a calorie intake of at least 3500 to 4000 a day. Drink as much water as you can. When putting on mass water plays a key role in the growing process. Also, be sure to keep up with your supplement intake. I usually drink two to three shakes a day and coun them as meals. Each shake should be at least 1000 to 1200 calories. I also add creatine which helps help with water retention and strength and take this along with your weight gain supplement or protein powder.
Follow these tips and your will reach your goals faster then you thought possible.