Building Muscle: 2 Things to Avoid
Introduction
Embarking on a fitness journey is a path filled with self-discovery, determination, and, inevitably, a few missteps along the way. Through this blog, I aim to share the highs and lows of my own fitness journey, providing an honest and transparent account of the mistakes I made and the lessons I learned along the way. I believe that by shedding light on these errors, I can help others avoid similar pitfalls and pave a smoother path toward their health and fitness goals.
1. Don’t Read a Book by its Cover
When reflecting on my own fitness journey, I remember looking up to those with the most impressive physiques as I believed this was a direct reflection of their comprehensive knowledge and expertise. However, I soon came to a profound realisation: someones appearance doesn't always correlate with the depth of understanding or the authenticity of guidance. The heading "don't judge a book by its cover" resonates powerfully in the realm of fitness, where genetics and the potential influence of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) play a substantial role in shaping one's physicality.
This revelation forced me to confront the harsh truth – the fitness industry is rife with misconceptions, and not everyone who looks the part necessarily possesses the knowledge to guide others effectively. At the time, I remember feeling frustrated and, in many ways, fooled. I spent so much time watching and listening to fitness influencers that in reality lacked credible knowledge.
Although feeling frustrated during this period, the overall lesson was important. It pushed me to seek knowledge from reliable, evidence-based sources and steer clear of influencers whose expertise extended only as far as their physical appearance. In the following section, I delve into exactly how you can avoid making this mistake.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into achieving your best body, we would recommend you to give “Unleashing Your Physical Potential” a read.
How to Avoid Misinformation within the Fitness Industry
Research and Verify Sources: Don't take information at face value. Dig deeper into the credentials of the fitness influencers or sources you follow. Peer-reviewed studies and expert-backed content should be prioritised over anecdotal evidence. Try to correlate the information you hear with studies that have been undertaken regarding the topic.
Diversify Your Information Sources: Relying on a single source, no matter how influential, can lead to a skewed perspective. Explore a variety of reputable sources, including scientific journals, certified fitness professionals, and well-established fitness publications. This broadens your understanding and helps you develop a more well-rounded approach to fitness.
Educate Yourself: Educate yourself with basic knowledge about anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. While you don't need to be an expert, having a foundational understanding will enable you to assess the knowledge you come across, acting as a buffer against misinformation.
In the video below, Sean Nalewanyj offers a great insight about the current state of misinformation getting spread around social media today and how the algorithms of social platforms lead to promoting videos that lack credibility.
2. Fueling Your Body: The Overlooked Keystone of Fitness
Training hard and lifting heavy in the gym often takes the spot light when it comes to building your best body, with nutrition being significantly overlooked, atleast this was certainly the case for me In the early stages of my fitness journey. The gym held an almost magnetic allure. Focused on sculpting my physique through rigorous workouts, I completely disregarded the nutritional aspect to fitness which is arguably more important than lifting weights itself. A great analogy I read years ago explains this perfectly “trying to build muscle without adequate nutrition is like trying to grow a tree without water”. Proteins are like the water, helping your muscles grow and recover, much like hydration for trees. Carbs act as the sunlight, providing energy for your workouts, similar to the sun's role in photosynthesis. Fats play a role too, like the soil, supporting overall health and nutrient absorption. So, just as a tree needs the right care and nutrients to bloom, your muscles need the right mix of lifting weights and good nutrition to grow strong and vibrant.
How to Ensure You’re Fueling Your Body
Protein Intake: Include sufficient protein in your meals. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Good sources include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and plant-based options like tofu and lentils. A good rule of thumb for growing muscle is approximately 1g of protein per lbs of lean body weight.
Carbohydrates for Energy: Incorporate complex carbohydrates to provide sustained energy. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are excellent sources. These foods release energy gradually, helping to fuel your workouts and daily activities.
Healthy Fats: Include sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats are essential for various bodily functions, including hormone production and nutrient absorption.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Water is crucial for digestion, nutrient transport, and overall bodily functions. Aim to drink enough water to quench your thirst and keep your urine light yellow.
Conclusion
Remember, the goal isn’t to avoid making mistakes altogether, its about learning from them and coming out the other side a better, and more knowledgeable person. I truly hope that this blog has refined your understanding of the fitness industry, and that you can take what you’ve learnt today and apply it to your own journey. If you have any questions you want to ask me or if you just want to share your own success story, then feel free to contact us using the following link: Contact Us.
