What area of your body do you not like? Is this something that runs through your mind while laying in bed or when you stare at yourself in the mirror? Narrowing this down to specific goals is a simple way to begin changing how you see yourself. If you want to quickly grow your muscles, continue reading.

You need to make certain you are getting enough vegetables in your diet. A lot of diets that promote muscle development put a lot of emphasis on consuming proteins and carbohydrates; however, vegetables are usually ignored. Carbohydrates and proteins are found in vegetables as are many other vital nutrients. Of course, vegetables contain a ton of fiber, as well. Fiber allows your body to use the protein more effectively.

Make sure you understand the best exercises to increase muscle mass. Not all techniques accomplish the same thing. For example, some exercises help with toning your muscles while others may help build specific muscles. Therefore, your exercise plan should include a variety of exercises in order to work different parts of the body.

Make the “big three” exercises a staple of your workouts. These mass building exercises include dead lifts, bench presses and squats. These exercises make you bulkier as well as helping to condition your body and increase strength. Incorporate a variation of exercises like this in your workouts regularly.

When on a program to build muscle, remember the importance of carbohydrates. Carbs are essential for keeping you energetic. When you run out of your carbohydrates, your body will burn protein to create the energy it needs. Having enough carbs will help your body function better and help get you through your workouts.

Unless you include carbohydrates in your daily diet, you will not get the best results from your routine. Carbohydrates provide the fuel your muscles need to perform strength training exercises. When performing intense workouts, it is important to eat between 2-3 grams of carbohydrates for every pound of weight you carry, each and every day.

Your diet is especially important on your lifting days. To ensure your body has enough calories and protein to build muscle, have a snack an hour before your workout begins. This doesn’t mean you should go crazy with your diet on the days you work out. Instead, it means that you should eat a little more compared with the days that are not working out.

Compound exercises may be the key to maximizing your muscle-building results and getting the most out of your workouts. These particular exercises will allow you to exercise several muscle groups in each lift. Bench presses, for example, work the chest, shoulders and triceps at once.

When training, high reps and a good number of sets will show the best results. Do fifteen lifts before taking a one minute break. Doing so is important in stimulating muscle growth because of the lactic acid. When you constantly do this as you workout you help maximize the amount of muscles you build.

60 Minutes

Do not exceed 60 minutes, when working out. After sixty minutes, your body will begin to produce increased amounts of the stress hormone, cortisol. Extra cortisol may block testosterone and your efforts at muscle building can be wasted. Restricting workouts to 60 minutes or less helps you get more out of each workout.

Train opposing muscles when you are in the midst of a workout; try doing the chest and back together, or the hamstrings with quads. This way, one muscle can get a rest while you are working out the other. This is beneficial because the intensity of your workouts is easily increased with increasing the time you spend building muscles at the gym.

Plyometric exercises are something you want to do. This type of exercise strengthens the fast-twitch muscle fibers responsible for stimulating muscle growth. Like ballistic moves, plyometrics require acceleration. For example, during plyometric push-ups, you would pull your hands off the floor and lift your body as high as possible.

If you are concentrating on building muscle mass, always eat food rich in protein both before your exercise routine and after. So, do things like take in around 15 grams 30 minutes before you train, then take in another 15 when you’re done. You can also get that amount of protein from a couple tall glasses of milk.

After reading this article and deciding to make these positive changes with your life and body, you may soon be asking yourself what you DO in fact, like about yourself. You are sure to love the many benefits, which will include improved appearance, better health and boosted confidence. Do not delay. Start today to build the body you want and improve your life for good.