eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Get Stronger Muscles When Currently Weak

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

There is more to getting strong than lifting weights. Your diet, sleep patterns and overall health affect your muscle strength. By applying healthy habits and incorporating strength training, you can increase your stamina and add muscle mass to a weak frame, leading to a stronger you.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Begin a new diet, eating healthy whole foods to nourish your growing muscles. Assuming you are at a healthy weight, you must increase your daily caloric intake slightly by 300 to 500 calories on your workout day to build muscle mass.

  2. Step 2

    Hydrate your body by drinking a minimum of eight glasses of water per day. Your muscles require water and the electrolytes it contains to work efficiently and to ultimately improve your strength.

  3. Step 3

    Talk to your physician about beginning a new strength-training routine. You doctor will ensure you are healthy enough to begin and can also provide you with helpful advice and suggestions for your regimen.

  4. Step 4

    Warm up your muscles by stretching and doing some easy exercises before your workout. Working your muscles while "cold" puts you at a greater risk for injuries.

  5. Step 5

    Complete a strength-training workout at least 5 days out of the week, focusing on the muscle groups you want to improve the most. By taking the time to work each group of muscles, you ensure even growth and balance.

  6. Step 6

    Cool down your body after your workout. Stretching and slowing your body down helps prevent injuries.

Tips & Warnings
  • Work your muscles hard enough so that you experience soreness the next day. Pushing your muscles causes them to grow in size and density.
  • Give your body time to rest by taking a day off about twice a week. Overdoing it too early can cause injuries and make your motivation fizzle out.
  • Some people prefer to work major muscle groups in pairs. For example, you might work your arms and chest one day, and focus on your legs and back the next. This gives the muscle groups a rest time before working them again.
  • Don't try to do too much too fast. Trying to speed up the process by lifting or working out harder than your body can handle will only lead to injuries, particularly if you do not have existing muscle tone.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Sports & Fitness Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Sports and Fitness
eHow_eHow Sports and Fitness