| We are all searching for that key factor that will give | | | | for decades are three sets of fifteen repetitions. |
| us a nice firm body, that image we are happy with | | | | Leave those numbers at the gym door. Muscle |
| upon seeing our reflection. We are looking for the | | | | hypertrophy will not occur with a workout consisting of |
| word that sums up our quest. That word is "muscle | | | | those "magic" numbers. A strenuous workout means |
| hypertrophy." | | | | using a resistance that will allow your muscles to |
| What is muscle hypertrophy you ask? Answering that | | | | fatigue (or tire) within six to eight repetitions. An |
| question is as easy as reaching for the nearest | | | | adequate amount of sets, perhaps two or three, and |
| dictionary. The term hypertrophy simply means growth. | | | | lower repetitions are the key ingredients to a workout |
| To achieve muscle growth, one must evaluate his or | | | | when the goal is muscle growth. |
| her nutritional intake. In order to achieve muscle | | | | The most common overlooked necessity to muscle |
| hypertrophy, you will need to consume excess | | | | hypertrophy is rest. This is a very important factor for |
| calories, however, only a small percentage more. That | | | | muscle growth because, without adequate rest, you |
| smaller percentage will aid in muscle growth, whereas | | | | will do the most damage to growing muscles. |
| an extreme amount of calories will only lead to fat | | | | Insufficient rest will result in the opposite of |
| increase. Your body will need more carbohydrates | | | | hypertrophy, called muscle catabolism or breakdown. |
| since they are the fuel for our muscles. Also protein | | | | Also without enough rest, your body (muscles included) |
| intake will need to be increased since out muscle fibers | | | | are more susceptible to injury and illness. Be sure to |
| are composed of them. The protein will aid in repair of | | | | rest muscle groups a minimum of forty-eight hours |
| broken down muscle fibers due to strenuous exercise. | | | | between workouts. |
| Another key factor that is necessary for muscle | | | | Remember there is no quick fix for achieving muscle |
| hypertrophy is resistance training. By using resistance | | | | hypertrophy, nor will the journey be a short, easy one. |
| for your workouts, you are sending a message to | | | | Muscle growth will take time and lots of patience. But |
| your body that it needs to be stronger. The stronger | | | | with dedication and consistency, you can achieve the |
| your muscles become, the better they will grow. The | | | | muscles you have always dreamed of. |
| "magic" numbers of exercise that have been taught | | | | |