I read and hear from everyone, "Bulk up during the winter, rip up during the summer" but I don't want to look chubby in the winter. Is it possible to gain muscle whilst staying lean?
It certainly is possible… if I was to bulk up during the winter I think I would find a little less work as a fitness model and maybe a little more as a Santa at my local supermarket :
Did you know that when fat cells are produced they never disappear, they merely shrink. Professor of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Florida, Patrick J. Bird, Ph.D. writes, "Fat cells are very influential in weight control. That's because they're permanent - fat cells don't disappear when the weight is lost. They simply shrink. And the more fat cells, the more storage area, and the easier it is to gain weight." So bear this in mind when you run down the cake isle in Tesco after a BIG chest work out : and remember your body only needs 500 calories more when trying to put on muscle mass, any more than this isn't really productive.
Of course there are also problems when you want to 'rip up' rapidly, since extreme exercising and dieting will inevitably cause muscle loss as well as fat loss, therefore losing all of that lovely muscle you worked so hard to gain.
The key is obviously a finding a balance; eating healthy foods rich in protein, good fats and carbohydrates will ensure your body is in a state to build the muscle mass you're looking for, while also maintaining a lean body.
Hope this helps buddy,
Much love
Ross
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