When you first set out to learn how to get muscles there are a lot of rules that you need to follow.
Some of these rules are fairly relaxed but some are absolutely vital.
The reason for this is that our bodies are biological machines that respond to certain stimuli in a clear and consistent way.
Whether it's eating, aerobic exercise or going to the gym, your body and your muscles will respond the only way they know how.
You need to know what those responses are so that you can keep your body on the right track.
Being consistent in both diet and exercise regime is important if you are to achieve your aim.
Stray from your plan too often and it can have serious side effects that can damage your carefully worked out plan to put on the pounds and gain muscle.
There is a lot to be said for keeping track on a chart and a calendar will also be useful as time goes on.
The human body is mostly water, so when you are trying to gain muscle mass your body will need to be well hydrated.
There are two reasons for this, firstly because you'll be doing a lot of exercise but what many people do not realize is that eating more requires more fluid.
Every body type and body building plan requires different amounts of water so you will have to monitor yourself carefully to make sure you take enough on board.
Water is best but if you can't drink that, then use unsweetened, flavored waters instead.
Everyone who knows how to get muscles knows that eating more is an crucial step, especially if there have been problems with weight gain.
Not everyone realizes that eating more doesn't just mean eating more at each meal.
It is also important that the meals and the in-between snacks you have happen more frequently and are properly planned.
Your body will learn to adjust to the bigger meals and the higher level of intake.
If you also eat more frequently, then the body can only adjust by gaining weight, so that is what it will do.
When you are working out how to get muscles the best way for you there are a lot of dietary ingredients that help to build muscle, but protein is undoubtedly the most important one.
The first thing you need to adjust when you start eating more is protein levels, aim to add a lot more to your meals.
You can use lean meats and fish to avoid a build up of fats and cholesterol which would not be healthy.
Huge amounts of protein are recommended for muscle gain so you may need to look at protein shakes made with whey powder after exercising and as a dietary aid.
To begin with your muscle building plan may seem fun, in fact it ought to be fun.
You are setting out on a journey, something new and exciting.
Eventually it will become routine, but that routine may start to feel like work if you are not prepared.
It can be discouraging and you may want to give up but if you have planned your routines properly you should start to see results fairly quickly.
Simple preparations like favorite music to listen to as you workout will also help.
Dedication brings results, and results help keep you going.
Over training is not how to get muscles.
Your muscles will be damaged and your body won't respond in the way that you want, in fact you can do permanent damage.
Set up a routine that works for you, with proper guidance, and stick to it.
Don't be tempted by enthusiasm to workout beyond safe limits.
You will do more harm than good.
Rest time is just as important as workout time, it is during the rest periods that the muscles repair after exercise and grow.
These guidelines may seem simple but they are tried and tested, follow them and you will get muscles to be proud of.