Why you can’t gain muscle

If there is one thing that holds back most trainees who want to gain muscle, it’s a fear of gaining fat. Look, I get it. We all want ripped abs like they come from the foldout of Tiger Beat (I don’t know if that’s really a thing). And honestly, for most guys that’s a place that they would probably be most comfortable.

But some of us out there just want to be bigger. More muscular. Thicc as the kids say. Well, unfortunately that’s gonna come with being a bit softer.

In order to maximize anabolism we want to have a little bit higher bodyfat. Not too high, once I start hitting between 15-20% (or losing ab definition) I know it’s time to tighten the reins. But if you want to grow you’re gonna need to be ok with adding some fat. For me it starts in the low back and every time I take my shirt off after jits it stings just a little bit more. But it’s the price of admission so I suck it up.

Luckily, it’s also that time of year when we start to layer up, there’s no beach time, and I’m gonna be pasty anyways. But it’s also important to still be vigilant with tracking. I don’t suddenly start eating burgers every night. I eat the same foods as normal, just a lot more rice.

If you want to grow you gotta eat. And if you’re gonna eat you’re gonna get a little fat. But as long as you keep it tight and honestly evaluate when it’s time to clean it up, then you’re good.

Of course you could always hire an objective eye to guide you 😉.