Why is it that so many people who have followed various muscle building programs have failed to make the muscle mass gains they desire? Well put simply, it’s usually because they’ve followed a muscle program that is completely unsuitable for building muscle. If this sounds like you and you’re not seeing regular muscle growth and improvements in the mirror then you are doing something wrong.

However, many muscle building programs can be completely inappropriate to an individual’s needs. The result of this can be anything from little or no muscle gains or even injury through over training.

Having studied and reviewed many muscle programs over the years, here are my top 5 tips to finding a muscle building program that will suit your needs:

Workout Time

Any workout routine that has you in the gym for hours at a time will not help you gain muscle mass. Longer in the gym does not equal bigger muscles! Your workout routines should last no more than 45 mins if you want to gain muscle size and strength.

Varying Your Workout Program

Keeping your workout routine varied will help to keep your muscles stimulated and growing, so your workout routines should be re-planned every 8 – 12 weeks. You body is clever in that remembers the exercises you do and that’s why exercises become easier over time. By changing your workouts you are shocking your muscles and stimulating further growth.

Rest is Part of Your Muscle Program

You need plenty of sleep and rest to help your body recover and grow. This is because your muscles grow when resting not when you train. Good muscle building programs will include rest days and should encourage you take a week off now and again.

Use Strict Form when Working Out

Exercise with strict form. It is very important that you don’t just pile on the plates and then swing the barbell around! Strict exercise form is essential to build muscle and to prevent injury. Yes, you may be able to lift more if you cheat, but it won’t do you any good. Look out for a muscle program that shows you how to perform exercises with correct form.

Diet – The Most Essential Part!

Diet is the key to every bodybuilder’s success. However any muscle building diet must be personalized to your body type and goals. The best muscle building programs will provide diet plans for every individual. This means diet plans will cover all calorie levels and include meals from 2000 – 6000 calories a day. The best meal plans I’ve come across even cater for vegetarians or those who need to avoid specific foods.

So there you have it, 5 simple but very important tips to stimulating fast muscle growth. Make sure you bear these points in mind when looking for a suitable muscle building program.