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The 3 Most Common Reason You Can’t Gain Muscle Mass

Man doing a squat in the gym

The Most Common 3 Reasons You Can't Gain Muscle Mass

The pursuit of muscle gains is a journey marked by dedication, discipline, and unwavering effort. However, it's not uncommon to find yourself stuck in a frustrating plateau despite your relentless commitment to workouts. The good news is that you're not alone—plateaus are a natural part of the fitness journey. While some may consider using anabolic steroids to break through, it's vital to prioritize the three fundamental factors discussed below. To reignite your progress and push through plateaus, it's essential to understand these key elements that might be holding you back.

NOT FOCUSING ON PROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD

Progressive overload, the principle of consistently increasing the stress on your muscles, is the foundation of muscle growth. If you're consistently using the same weights for the same reps week after week or repeating the same workout routines, your muscles adapt, and gains come to a halt. The antidote to this stagnation is pushing your limits.

Incorporate techniques such as increasing the weight you lift, adding more reps, shortening rest periods, or experimenting with advanced exercise variations. The goal is to continuously challenge your muscles in new ways. Remember, your muscles thrive on novelty, so keep them guessing to ensure continuous growth.

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NEGLECTING PROPER NUTRITION WITHIN YOUR DIET

The saying "you are what you eat" holds true when it comes to making gains. Your body's ability to repair, recover, and build muscle relies heavily on proper nutrition. If you're not providing your body with the right fuel, progress will remain elusive.

It's important to keep in mind: not only are the macronutrients you consume important, but also the quality of those foods, micronutrients, and vitamins.

Ensure you're consuming enough protein to support muscle repair and growth. Carbohydrates serve as your energy source for intense workouts, and healthy fats contribute to hormone production. Don't forget the importance of staying adequately hydrated and getting essential micronutrients to optimize your body's performance.

LACK OF RECOVERY AND SLEEP

While it's tempting to believe that more exercise is always better, overtraining can hinder your progress. Muscles grow during the recovery phase, not just during your gym sessions. Pushing yourself to the brink without allowing for proper rest can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, and compromised results.

Prioritize sleep, as it's when your body repairs and regenerates. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Additionally, incorporate active recovery days into your routine to stimulate blood flow without excessively taxing your muscles.

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