If you’ve ever worked out, you know that it doesn’t always show in the mirror. Feeling stronger and more energized are great benefits of working out, but they’re not always seen in the form of bigger muscles or a smaller waistline. So why do some people believe that lifting weights will make them bulky? Let’s look at the facts about gaining muscle mass!
Muscle mass doesn’t mean more weight.
You probably know that muscle is denser than fat. What you might not know is that for every pound of muscle you gain, it will be about one-and-a-half pounds heavier than the same amount of fat. That’s because muscles are more compact than fat, so they take up less space in your body and weight more per volume.
This phenomenon also explains why heavy weights don’t always translate to heavy weights on the scale—if all goes well with your workout routine and nutrition plan, a stronger version of yourself could actually weigh less than your previous self!
Lifting will help you burn fat.
If you’ve ever heard that muscle burns more calories than fat, it’s true.
Fat is metabolically active and requires energy to stay alive, but muscle is more metabolically active because it requires a lot more energy to maintain. This is why you may feel hungrier after working out than after simply sitting on the couch. As you build more muscle mass, your body will burn more calories at rest—even when you’re not exercising!
Enjoy the increased energy you get from exercising.
Exercise not only makes you stronger and healthier, but it also helps you sleep better, reduce stress and improve your mood. Exercise also increases feelings of confidence and self-worth.
The mental health benefits of exercise are undeniable — in fact, one study found that people who exercised regularly had lower rates of depression than non-exercisers. It’s a win-win: You can look good without sacrificing your mental health!
Remember, weight gain is a complex process that involves many different factors. Even though muscle mass weighs more than fat, it’s important not to let that deter you from exercising because it can have many benefits for your overall health and well-being. To help keep your gains healthy and under control, make sure you eat enough calories each day and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water! Also, don’t forget to use our knee support braces to protect your knees when lifting weights!
