If you don't watch your step you may end up falling for some fatal muscle-building pitfalls that will literally destroy your gains. In this article I'm going to expose 4 very common muscle-building myths in order to keep you on the proper path to the mind-blowing muscle and strength gains you deserve.
1. In order to build muscle, you must achieve a "pump" during your workout. The greater the pump you achieve, the more muscle you will build. For you beginners, a "pump" is the rush you feel as blood gets trapped in the muscle tissue as you lift weights. A pump feels great, but it doesn't properly stimulate the muscles to promote growth.
A pump is simply the result of increased bloodflow to the muscle tissue and is certainly not indicative of a successful workout. A successful workout should only be gauged by the concept of progression. If you were able to lift more weight or perform more reps than you did in the previous week, then you did your job.
2. When you build muscle you will become slower and less flexible. Whatever your opinion on the matter, constructing a large volume of lean muscle mass won't make you slower but instead will make you faster. Every move that your body makes is because of a muscle from jumping to throwing to running. When a muscle gains strength, a larger force can be exerted.
3. To achieve the desired results, always do the exercises just as described in the book. While using good form in the gym is always important, obsessing over perfect form is an entirely different matter. Although it may seem counter intuitive, it will both reduce your maximum muscle stimulation and make injury more likely if your constant focus is on exactly proper form.
Natural movement is a must when you exercise. This could result from a small sway in your back while doing bicep curls or a little amound of body movement when doing barbell rows.
4. If you want your muscles to grow you must "feel the burn!". This is another huge misconception in the gym. The "burning" sensation that results from intense weight training is simply the result of lactic acid (a metabolic waste product) that is secreted inside the muscle tissue as you exercise. Increased levels of lactic acid have nothing to do with muscle growth and may actually slow down your gains rather than speed them up.
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