This little tip is short and sweet, but is one of THE most important aspects of attaining a more muscular physique! Going to the gym and putting in intense workouts day after day is what acts as the stimulus for gains in muscle size and strength. Proper nutritional intake will give you the building blocks necessary to actually build new lean tissue onto your frame. However, all of this will be meaningless if you do not allow your body the time and opportunity to “work” this magical process. When does your body do 99% of its building and repair work? WHEN YOU SLEEP! During sleep all other body processes slow down and an intense recovery period takes place.

The conscious mind is allowed to “chill” and the subconscious keeps us entertained. The CNS is allowed to slow down, along with the heart, digestive system, and your injured muscles and joints. Think of sleep as your body’s 8 hour muscle building work shift, and if you can put in a little overtime, expect some extra compensation in the form of more muscle. One of the biggest reasons that trainees fail to make the progress they desire is because they simply neglect their sleep. I understand the desire to have fun, party a little, and occasionally enjoy life into the wee hours.

However, if you make this a regular habit you can kiss serious gains in muscle size goodbye! Try to sleep at least 7-9 hours per night and if you have time for a short midday nap, than take one! Remember, we do not do our growing in the gym…we do it while we snooze. The formula is simple…