Building muscle and strength requires hard work, patience and dedication. Once we hit the gym or start a workout, we are always focused on the end goal and that is to gain muscle and enhance strength. What we should focus more on is our journey and our progress towards the end goal.
Most of us get pressured because summer is fast approaching and we need to have that perfectly sculpted body real soon. Instead, we should first know what to expect, what to do during the process and by then we can visualize our bodybuilding goals more clearly.
As you lift weights or perform workout exercises, your body repairs damaged muscles and forms new ones, resulting in bigger and stronger muscle growth. You also introduce new movements to your brain and body as you perform strength training exercises.
Now that we know the basics, the first question we should know the answer to is this: How much progress in strength and muscle can I make in 3-6 months?
Let me tell you this, results differ depending on your fitness level, age, genetics, diet and other factors. To help ease your burden, I have summed up important details you should know and what to expect within 3-6 months of muscle and strength building.
What To Expect in Your First 3 Months
Building muscle takes time so don’t expect to see any results within a week. Naturally, beginners gain muscle and strength faster in the first few months of bodybuilding as compared to seasoned athletes or weightlifters.
Small changes can be seen in a month but most beginners can expect to see visible results within 2 months after training. On the other hand, it will take around 3 months for experienced bodybuilders to achieve noticeable changes.
The more your body gets used to the routine, the more muscle gain slows down so make sure to do some changes on your workout plan as much as possible. The average gain will be about 2 pounds per month but it will depend on you, your body, your workout routine and your diet.
It’s also important to note that muscle and strength largely depend on each other for faster and more solid results so make it a point to choose the workout and nutrition plan that works best for you.
Surefire Strategies For Better Progress
One thing that you should prioritize is your nutrition plan. What you eat plays a major role in muscle and strength buildup and brings you closer to your bodybuilding goals. Load up on protein-rich foods that match your weight and bodybuilding goals.
Also, check your body fat every now and then especially if you notice unusual muscle gain over the months. You also have to train each major muscle group accordingly to achieve better results.
Weightlifting is great but remember to warm-up before any workout and perform cardio or aerobic exercises to help keep your heart and body strong. Lastly, keep in mind that adequate rest is also essential for your muscle and strength building goals.
Conclusion
You will have to go through a bumpy road when it comes to strength and muscle building. The good news is, a good workout and nutrition plan can definitely set you up for success. Three months may seem too long but you won’t even notice it if you enjoy the process. You will not reach your goal if you don’t take a single step so better start now than never.