By Ben Putland -
We explain why getting toned is a tricky feat – and what you can do to maximise results.
A question I am regularly asked as a personal trainer is, “Why can’t I build muscle?”
There are plenty of reasons why people don’t see the muscle growth they would like. Different genetics and body shapes can advantage or disadvantage certain people. However, there are a few key things everyone can control regardless of their genes. Here are my top three tips for you to get the results you want.
Reduce the cardio and pick up some weights
If you are really committed to growing muscle, your workout schedule needs to reflect your goals. If your goal is increasing strength, size, and muscle growth, cardio sessions should not dominate your schedule. Your priority in the gym is to get stronger – that requires consistently lifting weights and adding a little extra weight, or an extra rep or two, over time.
Don’t fool yourself, growing muscle is a challenging process: you’ll need to be lifting heavy in a consistent pattern. While you a small amount of cardio is beneficial for general health and wellbeing, too much cardio can have the opposite effect of burning you out and reducing the energy you will have available to lift, grow and repair muscles.
