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Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Maintaining Muscle Between Sessions



Bodybuilding is a full-time commitment. If you think what you do during workouts is enough to keep muscle mass, you’re in for a shock. We hate to use the old cliche of ‘bodybuilding is a way of life,' but it really is. Of course, the work you do during your exercise sessions is crucial. That’s where you’ll amass most of your muscle and break serious barriers. But, it would be naive to think that you can kick back and relax the rest of the time. You need to be constantly aware of the effects your actions have on your body. With that in mind, the time you spend not working out is as crucial as your actual sessions. So, how can you maintain muscle during the time in-between?

BEFORE AND AFTER

The work doesn’t start and end with your exercise routine. Before you can get stuck into bodybuilding, give your body time to warm up. Stretches and gentle exercises before you start are essential. They'll ensure you don’t do yourself an injury during the real deal. An injury could set you back in a major way. Anyone who’s serious about building muscle should know that long gaps in your workout routine could see you starting all over again. So, next time you want to jump straight into a workout, think again.

And, it’s not only before that matters. How you wind down from a workout is equally important, as shown in this article from Inscriber Mag. Failure to unwind from exercise could be as catastrophic as not warming up in the right way. While stretches beforehand help warm muscles, winding down will help them cool off. Again, this is essential for avoiding injury! 


WHAT YOU EAT

What you eat between workouts is also crucial for maintaining muscle mass. Again, the right diet can help you avoid injury. Eating the right foods will ensure your muscles recover faster. That way, you'll be able to exercise again sooner than you would otherwise. And, the more you’re able to exercise, the better chance you stand of gaining real muscle weight.

Of course, on a basic level, you need to make sure you’re eating enough calories to keep you sustained. Bodybuilding causes a tremendous strain on the body and requires a great deal of energy. If you don’t already, make a note of your calorie intake. It’s also important to make sure you’re eating the right things. Protein has amazing muscle healing properties.

SMALL EXERCISES WITH BIG IMPACT

Even on days where you don’t have a huge workout planned, it’s important to do short exercises. These are what will maintain your muscle and keep you fit and healthy. If you manage to find small specialist exercises, you’ll be able to stay on top of things with little effort. These will also help you during periods where you’re unable to have a proper training session. Again, stretches can help here. Jogging on the spot when you get the chance will also go a long way.