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I have a bone to pick today, as I'm feeling a bit rant-y.
But mostly, I'm frustrated.
Because I think you're getting tricked and it's time you learn the truth...

See, the workout "truths" you've been fed are things like,

• "Pilates and yoga will give you toned, lean muscles!"
• "If you want to look like an athlete you have to train like an athlete!"
• "You should ditch machines and do free weights to be more functional!"
• "Kettlebells train stabilizers and all planes of motion, which prepares you for real life!"

And I'm here today to tell you this is all nonsense.

Ok, to be fair, it's not all nonsense - there is some truth in each one.
But it's nonsense to the fact that ~95% of the people reading this newsletter lift weights for aesthetic reasons.

Aka you lift weights to look better.

Sure, you know it's healthy and therapeutic and helps you move better and makes you stronger, yada, yada.

And yes, I get it ⏤ you don't want to look too bulky like a bodybuilder, or get too obsessed with your muscles, or not fit into your favorite outfits.

I understand all of that.

But at the end of the day, you MOSTLY go to the gym to 1) build muscle and 2) lose fat so you feel more confident in your clothes and proud of the body you see in the mirror.

You want to be in-shape. Slim, defined, and muscular in all the right places.
(And hey, me too. No shame here.)

So if you agree that that is your main motive in the gym, then believing the "truths" above will only prevent you from reaching your goals.

And why is that, exactly?

Firstly, muscle and fat tissue can ONLY do three things:

1. get bigger (gain muscle or gain fat)
2. get smaller (lose muscle or lose fat)
3. stay the same

So, knowing this, and knowing that the main outcome we're working out for is to increase our muscle mass and decrease our fat mass, then we should judge our workout's effectiveness solely on how well it does those two things.

And, again, yes we can also workout to improve our cardiovascular fitness, explosive power, core stability, and so on. Or just to have fun!

These are all by-products of muscle building workouts too, they just aren't the primary focus.
You can go to the gym and do whatever feels good for you.

Do the HIIT class, the kettlebells, the battle rope, or Crossfit workouts.

Just don't be upset when your body doesn't look the way you want, even though you're working out hard.

Because remember: our goal in the gym is NOT to sweat the most or get our heart rate up as high as we can or to train for the NFL combine.

Our goal is to gain muscle and lose fat. Period.

Which means we need to do workouts that are built for exactly that.

There's obviously way too much to break down in one blog, but I'll give you my general template.

My muscle-building workout breakdown

1. Warm up - increase body temp with cardio and dynamic stretching of target muscles
2. Heavier compound lifts - multi-joint exercises like bench, squat, deadlift, overhead press, etc (all variations)
3. Accessory lifts - more machines, cables, and stabilized exercise choices for isolating target areas
4. "Athletic" lift - ONE exercise that is single leg/arm and multiple planes of motion (this prevents injury)
5. Cardio/Core - this will be either long distance cardio, a HIIT finisher, or an ab workout

To clarify, 2 and 3 are 80% of these workouts.

And the other 20% ⏤ 1, 4, and 5 ⏤ support 2 and 3 to make them more effective via injury prevention and core stability. Or cardio, which supports fat loss.

Notice how everything is hyper-specific to the goal of building muscle or losing fat.

And, of course, the exercise selection, sets, rep ranges, and weekly progressive overload are the other components required to optimize all of this, but this is the skeleton.

Maybe I'll chat on those another day, but I hope this was helpful.

I'm passionate about making this clear because I want you to get results.

And I've had too many clients come to me thinking they've been working out the right way, except they've looked the same for the last two years.

Not because they weren't trying.

But because they were putting their efforts in the wrong place.

So my hope is to help you prevent that.

You only have so much time, energy, and bandwidth to make it to the gym in the first place.
If you're going to be there, I want you to make it count.

Not wasting your time on fluff, false promises, or exercises that simply don't move the needle.
One last thing, if you want to completely take the guesswork out of workout programming check out our ASCEND Training App. This app will help elevate your fitness journey with an all-inclusive collection of personal training programs designed to help rise to new heights.

Thanks for listening to me rant.

If you have any questions, just comment below.
​
Thanks,
Kayli

Building lean muscle mass is a common goal for many fitness enthusiasts. Understanding the science behind muscle growth, along with effective nutrition and training strategies, can help you achieve your goals efficiently. In this blog post, we'll explore the key components of muscle growth and provide practical tips for optimizing your nutrition and workout regimen.
Understanding Muscle GrowthMuscle growth, or hypertrophy, occurs when muscle fibers sustain damage through resistance training and subsequently repair themselves, becoming stronger and larger. This process is influenced by several factors, including the type of exercise, intensity, and nutrition.
The Role of Protein in Muscle GrowthProtein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Consuming adequate protein provides the amino acids necessary to rebuild muscle fibers. Aim for a daily protein intake of 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight, depending on your activity level and goals .
Key Sources of Protein:

• Lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef)
• Fish and seafood
• Eggs
• Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
• Plant-based proteins (beans, lentils, tofu, quinoa)

The Importance of Carbohydrates and FatsWhile protein is crucial, carbohydrates and fats also play vital roles in muscle building. Carbohydrates replenish glycogen stores, providing energy for workouts. Healthy fats support hormone production and overall health.
Recommended Carbohydrate Sources:

• Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa)
• Fruits (berries, apples, bananas)
• Vegetables (leafy greens, sweet potatoes)

Healthy Fat Sources:

• Avocados
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil
• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)

Effective Training StrategiesResistance training is the cornerstone of building lean muscle mass. Incorporate a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups to ensure balanced development. Here are some effective training strategies:
1. Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight, intensity, or volume of your workouts to continually challenge your muscles and promote growth .
2. Compound Exercises: Focus on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups. These exercises work multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to greater overall muscle development.
3. Proper Recovery: Allow adequate rest between workouts to enable muscle repair and growth. Aim for 48 hours of rest for each muscle group before targeting it again.
4. Consistency: Stay consistent with your training and nutrition plan. Consistency is key to seeing long-term results.
The Role of SupplementsWhile whole foods should be your primary source of nutrients, supplements can help fill gaps in your diet. Common supplements for muscle growth include:

• Whey Protein: Convenient and high-quality protein source.
• Creatine: Enhances strength and power, supporting muscle growth .
• Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): May reduce muscle soreness and enhance recovery.

Hydration and SleepHydration and sleep are often overlooked but are critical for muscle growth. Water aids in nutrient transport and muscle function, while quality sleep supports recovery and hormone regulation.
Tips for Optimal Hydration and Sleep:

• Drink at least 8-10 cups of water daily.
• Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Establish a regular sleep routine.

ConclusionBuilding lean muscle mass requires a balanced approach to nutrition, effective training strategies, proper supplementation, and adequate recovery. By understanding the science behind muscle growth and implementing these strategies, you can optimize your results and achieve your fitness goals.
For personalized advice, consider consulting with a certified nutrition and fitness professional.

References:

1. "Protein Intake for Optimal Muscle Maintenance." Journal of Sports Science & Medicine.
2. "Principles of Progressive Overload in Resistance Training." Strength and Conditioning Journal.
3. "Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Performance and Training Adaptations." Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.

For more information on muscle growth and nutrition, check out these resources: National Institute of Health - Protein and Muscle Building, American Council on Exercise - Strength Training.

Feel free to share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Happy training!