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Advices needed for building more muscle while decreasing body fat percentage?

6 min read

Asked by: Gina Weltz

If building muscle and reducing fat is your goal, experts recommend a training protocol of at least two days of resistance training per week. A review of 10 studies demonstrated that resistance training twice per week was more effective at maximizing muscle growth than training just once per week ( 20 ).

What is the best way to gain muscle while losing fat?

If you can sustain a lifting program and eat a caloric deficit, your body will be able to pull from its fat stores to both fuel itself and potentially build muscle mass. Prioritizing foods rich in protein is a key component to both losing body fat and building muscle at the same time.

Can you lose body fat percentage while gaining muscle?

“Although many people claim that you cannot do it, it is indeed possible to build muscle and lose body fat simultaneously. This process is often referred to as ‘recomping,'” Ben Carpenter, a qualified master personal trainer and strength-and-conditioning specialist, told Insider.

How can I lower my body fat percentage but keep muscle?

Exercise plans

  1. Do cardio. To lose fat and gain or maintain muscle mass, do moderate- to high-intensity cardio for at least 150 minutes per week. …
  2. Increase intensity. Increase the intensity of your workouts to challenge yourself and burn calories. …
  3. Continue to strength train. …
  4. Take a rest.


Should I lose fat before building muscle?

When you lose fat first, you reveal the musculature you have underneath, which you can then refine and sculpt. While it’s true increasing muscle mass can potentially help you burn more calories by increasing your metabolism, that requires a considerable gain in muscle mass which takes time.

How do I maintain muscle while cutting?

If you don't want to look soft by the end of your cut because you've lost muscle mass then make sure you keep weight lifting in your routine.

How do I bulk without gaining fat?

How to Lean Bulk

  1. Eat at a caloric surplus but avoid excess fat. …
  2. Consume protein with every meal. …
  3. Perform light cardio during every session. …
  4. Add nuts and nut butters to your diet. …
  5. Perform compound lifts over isolations. …
  6. Use carb timings to maximize workouts. …
  7. Get plenty of rest. …
  8. Understand your limitations.

How can I lose belly fat and gain muscle at the same time?

While all macronutrients are important, protein is especially important for building muscle. Without enough protein, your body will struggle to repair the muscle tissues that get broken down during weight training. Plus, studies show that a high-protein diet can help with losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time.

Does building muscle burn fat faster than cardio?

Summary: Cardio is more effective than weight training at decreasing body fat if you do more than 150 minutes per week. Weight training is better than cardio for building muscle. A combination of cardio and weights may be best for improving your body composition.

Should I bulk or cut first?

It’s pretty simple. If you’re lean enough to bulk (10-15% body fat or less for a man, or 18-23% or less for a woman), you should probably bulk first. If you’re above these ranges, you should cut first. And if you’re a beginner who’s somewhere in the middle, you should recomp.

How do I know if I’m building muscle?

How to tell if you’re gaining muscle

  1. You’re gaining weight. Tracking changes in your body weight is one of the easiest ways to tell if your hard work is paying off. …
  2. Your clothes fit differently. …
  3. Your building strength. …
  4. You’re muscles are looking “swole” …
  5. Your body composition has changed.


Is a 30 minute workout enough to build muscle?

When it comes to strength training, 30 minutes is the perfect amount of time to effectively work all the big muscle groups; the legs, the chest and the back.

What is the best time to workout for muscle gain?

Hitting the gym in the evening also has great benefits, especially if you’re looking to build muscle. The body’s muscles tend to be weaker during the morning and gradually increase in strength throughout the day. The body’s muscles achieve peak strength in the early evening.

Do sore muscles mean growth?

Muscle soreness is related to muscle damage, which can promote, but is not required for, muscle growth. In a nutshell, unless your goal is to feel sore, then you don’t need to be sore after every workout.

Do muscles grow on rest days?

Rest allows your muscles to rebuild and grow. And when you have more muscle, you’ll burn more calories at rest. That’s because muscle burns more energy than fat. Additionally, when you feel refreshed, you’ll be more likely to stick to your exercise routine.

Is it OK to workout while still sore?

Exercising When Your Body Is Sore



If you continue your usual exercise regimen even when you’re sore, you’re not giving your muscles enough time to heal. In fact, pushing yourself during a bout of soreness can eventually lead to an overuse injury. Overall, you’re at risk of causing harm to your body by not resting.

Is it OK to lift weights with sore muscles?

Tip. In general, doing a light workout is all right when you have delayed-onset muscle soreness, and it might even help soothe the symptoms. However, you should avoid heavy lifting when sore until the soreness has faded, and steer clear of anything that causes increased pain.

Should you workout on an empty stomach?

Working out on an empty stomach won’t hurt you—and it may actually help, depending on your goal. But first, the downsides. Exercising before eating comes with the risk of “bonking”—the actual sports term for feeling lethargic or light-headed due to low blood sugar.

Why am I so sore 2 days after working out?

Delayed-onset muscle soreness is caused by microscopic muscle damage. It’s perfectly normal—and most common after taking time off or trying something new.

What should I eat before lifting weights?

What to Eat Before a Workout

  • If you are eating 30-60 minutes before: It is recommended that you eat a high carbohydrate, moderate protein, and low fat snack before exercising. …
  • If you are eating 2-3 hours before: It is recommended that you eat a high carbohydrate, high protein, low fat meal before exercising.


Is it OK to lift weights on an empty stomach?

While there’s some research to support working out on an empty stomach, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s ideal. When you exercise on an empty stomach, you may burn valuable energy sources and have less stamina. Low blood sugar levels may also leave you feeling lightheaded, nauseous, or shaky.

What should I not eat when building muscle?

These include:

  • High-fat foods: High-fat meats, buttery foods and heavy sauces or creams.
  • High-fiber foods: Beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
  • Carbonated beverages: Sparkling water or diet soda.


Can we eat banana before workout?

The bottom line. Bananas are rich in nutrients like carbs and potassium, both of which are important for exercise performance and muscle growth. They’re also easy to digest and can slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, making bananas a great snack option before your next workout.

Can I eat rice after workout?

Carbohydrates replenish your depleted glycogen levels, giving you energy and helping your body fight fatigue. Quinoa, oats, brown rice and other whole grains are top options.

Is coffee good after a workout?

Drinking coffee is so beneficial after a workout as it can help refuel muscles and recover quickly from rigorous exercising by increasing the speed of glycogen. Glycogen, which serves as the muscle’s primary fuel source during exercise, is replenished more rapidly when you ingest both carbohydrate (eg.