Building Muscle – Muscle Gain | Everyday Muscle.com

As any bodybuilder or fitness enthusiast is aware of, you have to first get your mind in alignment with your goals.  There is a lot to be said regarding mindset, attitude, emotions, etc…when it comes to putting on muscle mass, losing fat, or just getting “in shape”.  Trust me, it is never as simple as…lift x weight, eat y calories, and collect the product (results).  The human body is designed to run on “modes”.

Survival is a mode.  Embellishment is a mode.  Recuperation is a mode.  Learning how to align your mind with your goals is paramount to the success you will have down the line.  Realizing that during an all-out anabolic mode, i.e. androgens in excess, calories in excess, and a healing response activated from resistance training, you can realistically see progress on a DAILY basis.  Conversely, during a survival mode, you can feel your muscle strength unleash, energy levels go up, you can feel that your body has shifted its resources from your gut (digestion) to your muscles.  You will notice less of a pump, but more of a “hard” look.  More athletic performance is realized as well.

You see, as human beings we have a very diverse metabolism, due to our very diverse eating habits.  Not only that, but the “mode” we are in is influenced by the type of food we eat, and when we eat it.  Nature would have us in survival mode long enough to ensure a kill on the hunt.  The ensuing “Gorge” which is the anabolic mode you enter will end as the amount of food you consume tailors off.  However, when your food is available for you readily, requiring no survival mode to attain it, you will certainly drift into a state of embellishment.  Your body has lost the need for excess calories because they simply aren’t necessary.  You will find your work performance may be affected, sex drive, etc…

This is why you should always train strenuously, and have a “fast day” once per week.  If you aren’t making progress, you’re standing still.  Find a way to get in your desired “mode” of operation.

Fast – when feeling lethargic and overfed

Feed- when being rewarded from an intense training session

Gorge – when training vigorously and consistently

Remember, the human body is designed to be rewarded with food after a kill, or a harvest.  A hard day of work should pay off with a couple big, fat anabolic meals.  Never give your body a reason to not progress.  Challenge it on all fronts.  Live out all modes.

-Eric