If you’re looking for long-winded, scientific answers to your questions about muscle growth, you won’t find them here.
But don’t click away just yet. If you’re confused about muscle building, this article is sure to help you. Consider it a reference guide or cheat sheet.
I work in the lifting industry and generally answer 20-40 questions a day. It stands to reason that after doing this for several years, you start to see the same questions popping up over and over again. The following 10 questions are some of the most popular.
When you field such a large volume of questions you learn to refine your answers. I would love to write lengthy personalized responses to everyone, but it’s simply not possible. That doesn’t mean I want to shortchange the advice. Quite the opposite.
My mission is to help as many people build strength and muscle as possible, and mastering efficiency has become a necessity. Because of this, I thought it would be fun to challenge myself and rattle off short answers to commonly asked questions about muscle growth.
Ready? Here goes…
30 Word Answers To Common Muscle Growth Questions
What is the best workout program for muscle growth? There is no best program for muscle growth. Results come from progression, consistency, patience, quality exercise choices and plenty of food.
Will cardio limit my muscle growth? Generally not. As long as you are eating enough food, cardio will not limit results. Unless, of course, your cardio sessions are excessively lengthy.
Which rep range is the best for building muscle? There is no magic rep range. Progression is the key to muscle gains. Stick to 5-12 rep for most compound exercise sets, and 8-15 for most machine and isolation sets.
How often should I switch up workouts? There is no urgent need to frequently switch workouts. Progression is key, not confusion. Evolve your training based on needs. Confuse your muscles with heavier weights.
How hard should I work each set? Push each set for as many reps as possible, stopping the set when your form breaks down, or you feel like you might fail on the next rep.
What muscle gains can I expect in 4 weeks? Not much. Muscle building requires years, not weeks. Learn to enjoy the process and lifestyle, and be patient.
Can I add more abs exercises and work? Yes, but it won’t help you get a six pack. Visible abs are not carved out via a volume of reps. Abs are revealed by losing body fat.
Are squats bad for your knees and deadlifts bad for your back? Any exercise done improperly is bad for you. Squats and deadlifts are no different. Avoiding these exercises is a cop-out. Take time to learn proper form and you’ll be fine.
Can I add another chest or bicep workout this week? No. More volume does not automatically equal extra gains. Slow down, be patient, stick to a proven workout routine, and get stronger. Chest and bicep gains will come.
My friend said I don’t need to get strong to build muscle. Is he correct? No. There are no weak bodybuilders. While they don’t train for absolute strength, they are still incredibly strong. Stay weak and you will stay small. It’s as simple as that.
