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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Healthy Weight Control >>  Muscle Builders

Muscle Builders

If you want to lose weight, you must do cardio, cardio and more cardio. Wrong. This is one persistent myth that is believed by thousands who are trying to lose weight through running, cycling, jogging or skipping. No wonder that after spending hours pounding the treadmill, they give up when they cannot lose as much weight as they want to.

Cardio will only help you lose weight up to a certain point.

After that, no matter how many more miles you clock on your treadmill or exercise cycle, you will not gain any results. The most efficient way of losing weight is to combine cardio with weight training. In other ways, try muscle building for weight loss.

The single biggest advantage of weight training is that the calorie burning benefits continue long after you have finished your workout. Another advantage is that you do not just lose fat but develop muscle as well. This results in a lean, toned look that suits both men and women.

Ladies, take heart. Weight training is not the exclusive domain of men; even women can glean many weight loss benefits from weight training. Put aside the fears of developing shoulders like a man. Women build lean muscle, so weight training will definitely help you lose weight and make you look fit and toned. 
Muscle Building

Let's face the facts; muscles make a man look more – manly. That said and done, for those who are new to the arena of muscle building, it may seem like a long and lonely path.  There are so many different muscle building supplements, muscle building diets, exercise techniques and nutrition products that it is easy to feel overwhelmed.

Let us simplify it for you. Whether you are aiming to build big muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger or lean muscle like Bruce Lee, proper nutrition, diet and exercise should be your cornerstone.

Muscle Building Exercise. Simply put, if you want to develop large muscles or gain weight, you need to perform lower repetitions with heavier weights. On the other hand, if you are looking to build lean muscle and lose weight, you should perform more repetitions with lighter weights. Although the exercise techniques may differ, these two basic muscle building exercise techniques will always serve you in good stead. 

Diet and Nutrition for Muscle Building. Proper nutrition cannot be ignored, whether you want to build mass or lose weight. Muscle building nutrition means one requires a proper nutrition and diet. The single most important ingredient for a muscle building diet is protein. Proteins contain amino acids, and these are what muscles are made of. Ensure that you consume an adequate quantity of protein every day. The recommended level is 1 to 2 grams of protein for every pound of body weight. Do not ignore the other basic kinds of food in your haste to build muscle. A nutritious diet consisting of adequate protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and fats is essential for preventing disease and maintaining good health.

Muscle Building Supplements. There are many different muscle building supplements available in the market. Protein supplements and vitamin supplements are the most popular and the most beneficial for those who are new to weight training. Other supplements such as Whey Proteins, Methoxy, Creatine, and Nitric Oxide are also available but do consult your doctor or fitness instructor before you use them.

Weight can be controlled effectively by building muscles. Calories used by the body daily can be increased through healthy muscle tone. It creates a positive attitude and motivates continuity.

  1. Amino Acids and Protein shakes – Amino acids like L-arginine, L-lysine, L-ornithine and branched chain amino acids like L-isoleucine, L-leucine and L-valine all are helpful in increasing muscle mass. Protein shakes on the other hand provide bulk to the muscles only if you stick to a regular strength-training regime. To produce effective results they should however be taken in certain level at certain times. But before using either, consult your personal trainer or doctor to find out the supplement that suits you best.
  2. Conjugated Linoleic acid (CLA) – It increases muscle tissue and decreases body fat. It is derived from either safflower or sunflower oil. It helps in supporting healthy glucose tolerance. And also shows some promise towards weight control.
Submitted on January 16, 2014