Mindset for Muscle Building

Welcome back to BETTER, the email series that provides tools, strategies, and knowledge to help you progress toward a healthier and fitter future.

This week, we are providing strategies to help your muscle-building efforts.

Today's installment covers mindset strategies to enhance your muscle mass!

1. Prepare for the long haul. It takes 2,000 to 2,500 calories to build a pound of muscle under the best conditions. If you are looking to make an appreciable amount of muscle, it's going to take time, so adopt a long-term approach 

2. Build a routine that fits. Consider your training, meals, sleep, and current responsibilities together. You do not have to manage every part of life perfectly. Start with changes that feel practical, and review what helps or needs adjusting with your coach.

3. Progress is never linear. Be prepared for ups and downs. Just like anything else in life, you'll have some weeks where you feel great and make excellent progress. You'll also have some weeks where you feel like your progress has stalled or even regressed. This undulating experience is to be expected. Progress is never linear, so focus on the process, not the outcome of every workout.

4. Make room for enjoyment. Notice the parts of training you enjoy and the changes that matter in daily life. If the process feels frustrating or overwhelming, talk with your coach about your expectations and options. Your plan should have room for your preferences.

When embarking on a muscle-building journey, understand that it's a long game and that consistent work and attention will be needed in exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mindset. Follow all the information presented in the newsletters this week, and you'll be set up to optimize your muscle mass gains for years to come!