10 Things That ACTUALLY Kill Your Gains (Based On Science)
Jan 24, 2024
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Researchers debunk gain killer myths, discuss impact of rapid weight loss, very low calorie diets, stress and alcohol use on muscle growth, emphasize optimal protein intake and resistance training, explore maximizing muscle gains through failure or not to failure.
Maintaining resistance training while in a calorie deficit can prevent muscle loss and even allow for muscle gain while losing fat.
Reducing stress levels outside the gym is important for preventing muscle loss, as higher stress levels may lead to muscle loss.
Deep dives
Common Myths: Rapid Weight Loss
Losing weight quickly is commonly thought to compromise muscle gains. However, even in a significant calorie deficit, if resistance training is maintained, the chances of losing muscle mass are small. In fact, a more moderate deficit may even allow for muscle gain while losing fat.
Stress and Muscle Growth
Reducing stress levels outside of the gym is beneficial for muscle retention and growth. Studies suggest that individuals with higher stress levels may experience higher expressions of genes associated with muscle loss. Therefore, managing stress is important for optimizing muscle progress.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Gain
While excessive alcohol and drug use can impact anabolic signaling pathways and protein synthesis, moderate consumption is less likely to have a significant negative effect on muscle growth. It is still important to consider overall lifestyle and balance in order to optimize progress.
Protein, Proximity to Failure, and Volume
A protein intake of 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram per day is generally recommended for muscle growth. However, lower protein intakes may still result in muscle growth, although not at the same maximum rate. Proximity to failure and volume also play roles in muscle growth, but training just a few reps away from failure and lower volumes can still lead to gains.
In today's episode, Built With Science researchers Max Coleman and Daniel Plotkin discuss things that will slow down the gains you could be making in the gym or those things that'll result in no progress at all or even reduce muscle mass.
Take our quiz to find the best fitness program for you and your body: https://quiz.builtwithscience.com/
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