Increasing muscle mass is indeed the priority of many for multiple reasons. Some people want to look good, others want to improve their strength or athletic performance, and some want to reduce the risk of injuries. There are multiple ways in which people achieve this goal, but most of them don't require a lot of time or money. Just making a few lifestyle changes can be helpful.
Gaining muscle mass can be a hard job; what also requires most of your attention is preserving that muscle mass, which is where many people struggle. It's easy to lose muscle mass, and it happens faster than most people think. The good news is that you can do plenty of things to prevent this.
Exercising is essential, but ensuring a healthy lifestyle is key to building and preserving muscle mass. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress is essential for keeping your muscles healthy. Your lifestyle factors greatly influence how your body responds to exercise and builds muscle. Small changes in these areas can make a big difference in your results.
The right decisions can help you achieve your goal of gaining muscle mass. And your mindful approach should start when you wake up at the beginning of the day. What you eat for breakfast can impact your entire day, so ensure you're fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.
Importance of Developing Morning Habits
Healthy morning habits can make all the difference in your physical and mental wellness. A good morning routine can help you start your day with a sense of purpose and calm. It can also help you get better sleep, have more energy, and feel more productive throughout the day.
It is good to have some routine in the morning to start your day on the right foot. This doesn't mean you have to do the same thing every day, but having a general plan for how you want to spend your morning can be helpful.
There are countless benefits to developing morning habits. For one, it can help you get out of bed more efficiently daily. Waking up to an alarm is never pleasant, but if you have a set routine beforehand, it's much easier to get moving in the morning. Additionally, morning habits can help improve your productivity throughout the day. It's been proven that people who have set routines in the morning are more likely to be successful and productive throughout the day.
Of course, developing morning habits doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as setting your alarm for the same time each day and then taking a few minutes to stretch or meditate before getting out of bed. Or, you could try incorporating some healthy breakfast foods into your morning routine. Whatever you choose, it is important to find something that works for you and stick with it.
Healthy Morning Habits to Gain Muscles
If you're looking to add some serious mass, ensure you're incorporating these healthy morning habits into your daily routine:
1. Workout Right After Waking Up
Exercise does not have a fixed time slot. It can be done at any time of the day, provided you have the willpower to wake up early in the morning or can convince yourself to do it after a long day at work. There are, however, specific benefits of working out right after waking up.
The first and most obvious benefit is that you don't have to waste time waking up and then getting ready for your workout. You can roll out of bed and start burning those calories. Exercise helps increase your metabolic rate, and this benefit is amplified when you work out in the morning. This means your body will continue to burn calories at a higher rate even after your workout is over.
Morning workouts are also more effective at burning fat than working out later in the day. This is because your body has been fasting overnight and is more likely to use stored fat for energy. You tend to have more energy levels in the morning than later on at night, along with better mental clarity and focus throughout the day.
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2. Always Eat Breakfast
You know the saying, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day"? Well, that's especially true when it comes to building muscle. Eating breakfast jump starts your metabolism and provides the fuel your body needs to power through a strenuous workout.
Moreover, research has shown that eating breakfast can help you build muscle and lose more fat than skipping the morning meal. Eating a healthy breakfast gives your body the necessary nutrients to repair and build muscle tissue. A nutritious breakfast with multiple food groups helps replenish your glycogen stores, which are depleted during sleep. Glycogen is essential for muscle growth.
If you are a morning workout person, breakfast is essential for you, as it will give you the nutrients to keep going throughout the day. You will significantly improve your mental alertness and stress levels if you start eating breakfast daily.
Related Article: 10 Best High-Protein Breakfasts for Muscle Growth
3. Stay Hydrated Always
Water should be your go-to option, thirsty or not. Drinking water throughout the day is essential for maintaining proper hydration levels, impacting everything from energy to muscle growth. Proper hydration ensures you get the most out of your efforts.
That's because water aids joint lubrication and helps regulate your body temperature. It is also essential for muscle growth. It's involved in protein synthesis, which helps repair and grow muscles. Without enough water, your muscles can't properly repair and grow. Not to mention, dehydration can lead to fatigue, cramping, and other issues that can hinder your workout performance.
When you first wake up in the morning, your body is dehydrated from sleeping through the night. Drinking water right away helps rehydrate your body and wake you up. Additionally, drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated, clearing up blemishes and giving you a healthy glow. You may also incorporate hydration supplements into your routine for better results.
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4. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
It's no secret that our lives are becoming increasingly busier. With longer work hours and more responsibilities, finding time to get a good night's sleep can be difficult. However, skimming sleep can seriously affect your health and well-being. That's why adjusting your sleep schedule is essential to ensure you get the rest you need.
Waking up and going to bed at the same time each day is important for maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. When you build sleep consistency your body gets used to a regular sleep cycle, and it becomes easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Furthermore, it helps improve your mood, boost energy levels, and sharpens your focus.
Getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule are crucial for anyone who wants to build muscle. If you're not getting enough rest, you're not going to make any progress. This will help regulate your body's natural circadian rhythm. When your body is in a state of balance, it can function at its best.
Related Article: Why is Sleep Important for Your Health?
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5. Eat Sufficient Protein
Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps our bodies function correctly. It plays a role in everything from building and repairing muscles to producing enzymes and hormones. Protein is essential in the morning because it provides energy and supports metabolism. Eating protein in the morning can also help keep us full throughout the day, aiding in weight loss or maintenance.
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But did you know that what you eat for breakfast can make or break your workout? If you're looking to build muscle, eating a protein-rich breakfast is essential. Plus, after a night of sleep, your body is in a catabolic state, breaking down muscle tissue. Eating protein in the morning can help stop that muscle loss.
Related Article: High Protein: Best Epic Breakfast Burrito Recipe
When you work out, you're breaking down your muscles. For those muscles to grow back stronger, they need protein. Eating protein for breakfast helps jumpstart the muscle-building process so you can get the most out of your workout.
6. Plan Your Workouts
Consistency will be your biggest driver for muscle growth. Without a consistent workout schedule you can’t properly progress in your lifts, therefore leading to no strength or muscular gains.
Be sure to put each workout in your schedule and make it a non-negotiable appointment. By doing this you will stay committed and won’t prioritise other things over it. It’s just as important to take care of yourself, as it is taking care of others.
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FAQs
1. What is the best time of day to work out?
The best time of day to work out is going to be what you can stick to consistently. Most people find the morning to be best because they can wake up as early as they need before any work or obligations start.
2. How much sleep should I get?
You should aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep is important for your overall health and will also help you gain muscle.
3. How many times a week should I work out to gain muscle?
It is generally recommended that someone who wants to gain muscle should work out 3-4 times per week.
4. How long should my workouts be?
The length of your workouts will depend on how often you work out. If you work out 4 times weekly, each workout should be about 45 minutes long.
Final Words
You should also be aware that gaining muscle mass doesn't happen overnight. It takes time and consistency to see results. So don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep at it and be patient. The changes will come. Making lifestyle changes is essential if you're serious about gaining muscle mass. By eating a healthy breakfast and exercising regularly, you're on your way to success. Be patient and consistent, and the results will follow.
