Do you have to burn calories to gain muscle?

Question

Do you have to burn calories to gain muscle? I don't care if I lose weight, because it's not a big deal, I mean yea I may not be skinny but I just want more muscle. So does eating more calories go for or against building muscles, especially in the arms, legs, and abs areas.

Answer 1

If you eat too little in terms of cals you won't gain much muscle. Just eat healthy when eating a lot of food. Your main focus should be to consume many carbs in pastas and breads and protein. Whey protein shakes are great to have post-workout for the muscle.

To gain muscle, you obviously have to work, which does burn up calories. Weight-lifting is best in terms of gaining muscle mass or toning up your body. Do exercises for different body parts every other day or so because you don't want to over-do yourself in terms of lifting. For example, work your arms Monday, your legs Wednesday, your back and shoulders Friday, and your chest and abs Sunday.

Remember,
3-4 sets of 6-8 reps for building mass
3-4 sets of 11-15 reps for toning

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

U have to use muscles to make them gain size and in the process calories r automatically consumed.

Eat only when hungry and not more than thrice a day. Nothing other than water in between. Include plenty of uncooked vegetables and fruits in each meal, preferably 50%. Chew each morsel at least 32 times to activate ur body to generate signals of hunger/fullness. Obey these signals.

Take light exercises and brisk walks regularly preferably twice a day.

U will achieve what u have not even dreamt and that too in a reasonable time. Do not be in a hurry.

Answer 3

If you work out, you will burn calories and gain muscles at the same time. While you can't spot reduce, lose fat in just one area of your body, you can gain muscle in just the areas you want. Plan your exercise accordingly. You might actually wind up eating more to add body mass.

Answer 4

You gain muscle mass through exercise. You need calories to supply the energy to exercise. You need protein to build and repair cells. If you have a higher percentage of body fat you may not be able to see your muscles. If you maintain a healthy diet and exercise you will see a change. You should do total body work and not just target the areas you mention.

Answer 5

It's quite the opposite. You need calories to get bigger, and protein plays a major role in muscle building. However, from what you write I believe you're not really trying to bulk, but to tone your muscles. Try running, push-ups and crunches to tone those areas. Once you feel that they are firm enough, start eating less calorie and lose some fat to get the definition.

Answer 6

No you don't have to burn alot of calories but you do burn some but just lifting weights will not affect you weight dramatically

Answer 7

No. Eat plenty of high-protein food such as poultry, fish, eggs & lean meat.