Different people work out with different goals in mind. If you’re working out because you want to build muscle and increase your strength, this article is for you. You must know that building muscle doesn’t necessarily mean that your strength will increase. They are two different things, and you will know about them further in this article.
Keep reading so you can know the difference between building muscle and increasing strength and how you can achieve both results.
What Is the Difference Between Building Muscle and Increasing Strength?
It’s a common assumption that larger muscles produce the most force. However, it’s not always the case. When you build muscle, you’re just modifying your muscle cell physiology to make your muscles larger. Muscle building aims to induce hypertrophy of muscle tissue with the muscle gaining size.
On the other hand, when you increase your strength, you’re making your muscles stronger. Increasing your strength aims to increase the functional ability of your muscles.
They are two different things, and you must know about them to have a clear goal when doing your workout and do the appropriate training for your goal. So, when you start your training, ask yourself: Do I want to make my muscles stronger or larger?
How Can You Increase Strength and Build Muscles at the Same Time?
The most effective way to achieve both muscle strength and muscle building is to do weight training. Weight training, sometimes called resistance training or weight lifting, can increase your metabolism, lower your body fat, and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. It can even reduce stress and anxiety and can improve your mood.
However, some people who only focus on increasing strength usually do strength training. Strength training has a lower training volume, which means you will work out in just a few days and rest for longer periods. But, the intensity is relatively higher.
On the other hand, people who want to build muscle often do hypertrophy training. Hypertrophy training will require a higher training volume with more frequent workouts and shorter rest periods in between sets. The exercise includes more sets and reps with a lower weight.
What Exercises Can You Do in Hypertrophy Training for Building Muscle?
As you know, hypertrophy training is only focused on building muscle. The majority of the workout in hypertrophy training requires a machine to achieve faster results. But, you can also utilize free weights and bodyweight exercises, such as bicep curls, bench presses, deadlifts, and squats. Remember, hypertrophy training must have progressive loading to maximize your muscle fiber and increase its size.
What Exercises Can You Do in Strength Training?
For strength training, the exercises you will do will focus on compound lifts. You can do exercises like lunges, overhead press, pushups, and tricep extensions to increase your strength.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between building muscle and increasing strength, you can do the appropriate exercises according to your goal. If you want to increase your strength, do strength training. But if your goal is to build muscle, focus on hypertrophy training. If you’re going to achieve both results, weight training is the best option. Just make sure not to push yourself too hard and go for a program suitable for you so that you can get the most out of your workout.
If you’re looking for a custom training program in Wellesley, you’ve come to the right place. The Fit Factor PT is an exclusive, results-driven personal training studio that takes the time to understand your goals, know your fitness history, and align with your motivation to help you achieve a fit and healthy body. Our tailored programming will challenge your fitness routine in and out of the gym. Get in touch with us today!
Chad has been my personal trainer for over 10 years. He is very dedicated and resourceful as a trainer. I would highly recommend Chad. He has kept my body healthy through all these years and in my 50s. Chad is also very accommodating to working with your schedule. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
I love working out with Chad! I have been working out with him for the past year and a half and have had the best results compared with other trainers. Chad’s dedication to his clients, humor, warmth and expertise are a winning combination. I look forward to our sessions and always leave feeling stronger, more flexible and energetic. I highly recommend Chad.
I have been working with Chad (the trainer) for almost three years now and have gone through an amazing transformation! He bonds greatly with his clients and is a very qualified trainer. He tailors workouts to individual clients and has helped me perform better as an equestrian and achieve my physique goals. If you are looking for a great one-on-one trainer, I would highly recommend.
When I started going to the fit factor I went in thinking I had a pretty good knowledge of weight lifting and exercise without having much to improve. I was so wrong! Chad was incredible and really took the time to explain and show proper technique as well as a variety of different exercises that I had never done before. I now have much more confidence in my form and have a really great and well rounded routine. Additionally, Chad catered to my personal goals and really listened to what I wanted to accomplish. I cannot recommend The fit factor and Chad enough!
I have been weight lifting for over five years but have never had dedicated instruction from a trainer. Chad was able to notice where my form was failing and correct it immediately. He also guided me towards effective exercises so that I could keep achieving my goals and moving up. After a couple of months of working with him I was able to see some great results. Chad knows his stuff!
Chad has been great with not only the types of specialized workouts each session but also with checking in after the sessions. He has a real passion for seeing people make big health changes; which makes it fun. Would highly recommend!
I went to Chad looking to get back in shape and lose weight, which had crept up from working long hours. Chad was super patient and non-judgmental. We started at a level where I would see results but not get so sore or so disappointed at what I could not do it. He focused on what I could do if I pushed myself hard and taught me that step/skill building was an integral part of the process. We also talked about nutrition and self-care. As other reviews have mentioned, he cares about his clients beyond the appointment time, and wants them to make positive change to their lives that will stick. I lost 30+ pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. I have been able to maintain this for 2 years. He taught me how to create a sustainable workout plan. Even during the pandemic I was able to maintain my weight and my fitness level thanks for his frequent check-ins and the solid fitness base we created through his work and fitness mentorship. I highly recommend him!
I started with Chad in August 2020, my first semester of college was cancelled and i needed something active to do. At that point I was a small underweight kid looking to gain muscle and gain weight. I went to Chad 3 times a week until late January 2021. Those 5 months were great, I really enjoyed going to chad and it was the highlight of my week and something I would look forward to going to 3 times every week. Throughout this time Chad has perfected my form on workouts and had a great and unique workout for me everytime. I went in weighing 125 pounds at 5’10 and now I weigh 150 pounds after the five months. Not only did Chad give workouts but he also gave me a diet for me to follow so I could maximize my time with him. He really personalizes workouts for each person. Currently i’m in the best shape of my life and am super confident in my body. GO TO FIT-FACTOR!!