For many people, losing weight is not a priority. Sure obesity is a major problem in this country, and while we offer many products to assist with fat loss, many of them double as great strength training workouts. So, for the people who may be on the slim side and wanting to bulk up, figuring out how to increase muscle mass is far more important than learning about how to drop unwanted pounds.

We are all built slightly differently. And while genetics do play a role in the body that we have, fitness enthusiasts have shown us that you also have a say in that physique. So even if your parents are both string beans and you were called “chicken legs” in school, with some good strength training and the proper muscle building diet, you can put on weight.

Just like weight loss, putting on muscle mass comes with a combination of diet and exercise. The difference is that you will be eating more calories as opposed to fewer and loading up on protein and muscle building workouts.

Strength training is the obvious factor in learning how to increase muscle mass. Cardio blasts calories so intense cardio routines aren’t really necessary. A healthy heart and lungs is important but when you already have a high metabolism, cardio may work against your muscle building goals. Look into systems that focus on resistance training. P90X and ChaLEAN Extreme are both excellent options.

One absolutely crucial thing to remember when trying to bulk up is as your muscles grow, so will your metabolism. So unless you are trying to lose weight you will need to increase your caloric intake.

Protein supplements are a great way to boost your calories for the day. Unlike a weight loss plan, though, we want you to drink these extra calories in addition to what you are already eating. Your growing muscles are going to require some high octane fuel and now is no time to skip meals or snacks.

When trying to gain mass you want to supply your body with more calories than it burns. The tricky thing is, your new muscles will be burning more and more calories. Eating the right foods and working out will ensure your muscles have fuel and that fuel is building more muscles, not fat.