Muscular hypertrophy describes an increase in muscle mass. People can achieve muscle hypertrophy by correctly performing certain exercises and consuming sufficient amounts of the right foods.
Skeletal muscle is one of the three major muscle types. Tendons attach these muscles, which contract and cause movement, to bones.
In this article, we look at how to develop the skeletal muscles, including what types of exercise to engage in, which foods to eat, and when to rest and stretch.
Muscle size increases when a person continually challenges the muscles to deal with higher levels of resistance or weight. This process is known as muscle hypertrophy.
Muscle hypertrophy occurs when the fibers of the muscles sustain damage or injury. The body repairs damaged fibers by fusing them, which increases the mass and size of the muscles.
Certain hormones, including testosterone, human growth hormone, and insulin growth factor, also play a role in muscle growth and repair.
These hormones work by:
- improving how the body processes proteins
- inhibiting the breakdown of protein
- activating satellite cells, which are a type of stem cell that plays a role in muscle development
- stimulating anabolic hormones, which promote muscle growth and protein synthesis
- enhancing tissue growth
Strength and resistance training can help the body:
- release growth hormone from the pituitary gland
- stimulate testosterone release
- improve the sensitivity of the muscles to testosterone
Do males and females grow muscle differently?
A variety of factors — including genetics and the levels of estrogen and testosterone in the body — can affect how rapidly a person can develop muscle.
Regardless of biological sex, muscle grows at different rates for people with different body types.
Both males and females can have the following body shapes, and each requires a different approach to muscle building:
- Mesomorphic: People with this body type tend to be muscular and generally build muscle mass far more quickly than people with other body types.
- Ectomorphic: This term describes a slim or straight frame. Ectomorphs have a lower chance of building muscle mass but can increase their strength through resistance training.
- Endomorphic: This body type is more rounded or curvy. People with an endomorphic body can build muscle most effectively through strength training.
However, in an interview with Australian news service ABC, sports scientist Dr. Tony Boutagy points out several traits that are more pronounced in males and support faster muscle growth. These include a larger muscle mass, higher testosterone, and tighter joints.
People build muscle at different rates depending on their age, sex, and genetics, but muscle development significantly increases if exercise is:
- consistent
- challenging
- long-term
People also achieve the best results when they follow exercise with enough rest.
The best type of exercise to build muscle is strength training, although cardiovascular activity can also provide benefits.
Strength training
It takes several weeks or months of consistent activity and exercise before muscle changes become visible.
According to the
Examples of strength training activities include:
- lifting free weights
- using stationary weight machines
- resistance band activities
- body weight exercises, such as pushups and squats
- strength training classes that incorporate some or all of the above activities
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However, a one set resistance program also yielded benefits.
Strength training and aging
As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of limited mobility and other skeletal and muscular problems, such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis.
However, older adults should try to meet adult exercise guidelines if they can. If they are unable to do this, they should remain as physically active as their physical limitations allow.
Strength training is also beneficial for older adults to prevent injury and aid recovery.
Cardiovascular activity
Also known as aerobic activity or simply “cardio,” cardiovascular exercise benefits a person’s heart and respiratory system.
Cardio is vital for overall health. Current guidelines recommend that adults participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity each week.
While some people believe that aerobic exercise does
not help build muscle, recent research disagrees.
Regular cardio can support muscle growth and function.
It also increases overall fitness levels, which
For optimal muscle building, the authors of
- at 70–80% of their heart rate reserve, which a person can calculate by subtracting their resting heart rate from their maximum heart rate
- for 30–45 minutes at a time
- on 4–5 days per week
Rest plays an integral part in building muscle. By not letting each of the muscle groups rest, a person will reduce their ability to repair. Insufficient rest also slows fitness progression and increases the risk of injury.
According to MOVE!, an exercise initiative from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, people should not carry out strength training on the same muscle group on 2 consecutive days.
Getting enough sleep is also important for the process
of muscle growth. The researchers behind
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Reducing stress
Eating a balanced and healthful diet is key to staying fit. For people who wish to build muscle, protein intake is especially important.
Current guidelines recommend that adult males and
females consume
The timing of protein intake may also be of importance. A paper belonging to the 2013 Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop Series suggests that consuming 20 g of dietary protein during or immediately after exercise helps stimulate muscle protein synthesis, reduce protein breakdown, and promote more effective muscle reconditioning.
Sources of protein include:
- meat
- fish
- eggs
- milk and cheese
- soybeans and tofu
- beans and lentils
- nuts
- seeds
A fitness professional can advise people on the correct form to use when lifting weights and using other gym equipment. Using the right technique reduces the risk of injury and enhances the potential to build muscle.
People may also benefit from following the advice below:
- Warm up and stretch for 5–10 minutes before engaging in strength or cardio activities.
- Begin with light weights and increase the weight or resistance level gradually.
- Carry out all exercises using the correct form, breathing techniques, and controlled movement.
- Expect some soreness and muscle fatigue afterward, particularly in the early stages. However, too much discomfort or exhaustion suggests that the workouts are too intense, too frequent, or too long.
People should consult a doctor before embarking on any new exercise regimen if they have underlying health conditions or concerns about injury. Otherwise, a personal trainer or gym employee can provide safety guidance.
The following are commonly asked questions about building muscle.
How can I bulk up with ulcerative colitis?
Light to moderate exercise is safe for those with ulcerative colitis. To build muscle with ulcerative colitis, a person can try strength exercises, such as lifting weights, squats, crunches, and push ups.
Does ulcerative colitis affect muscle growth?
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Can you lift weights with ulcerative colitis?
A person with ulcerative colitis can participate in strength training, including lifting weights.
Is going to the gym good for ulcerative colitis?
Those with IBD should engage in physical activity, such as going to the gym, provided they feel well enough to do so and the doctor says it is okay for them to do so.
A person may have times when their ulcerative colitis symptoms prevent them from being able to exercise. When this happens, it is important not to push themselves.
Should I exercise if I have an injury? Will it just go away?
No. Anyone with an injury should seek the services of their primary healthcare professional. This professional may refer the individual to a specialist or recommend specialized physical therapy to help the body recover from the injury. Continuing to exercise with an injury could make it worse.