Many people think of bulking as something reserved for gym rats and bodybuilders, but it can be useful for any fitness journey. Bulking involves increasing body weight and muscle mass by increasing your caloric intake and frequently strength training. It’s common to start bulking to reach a specific weight for a sport or to build a booty. Here’s everything you should know about bulking so you can decide if it’s right for you.
How Bulking Works
To create muscle, you need to be in an anabolic state which means that the body has enough fuel and energy to build and repair. When you consume more calories you’re also taking in more nutrients that play a role in the muscle-building process. To turn the calories into muscle mass, you need to strength train.
How Long Does it Take to Bulk Up?
The amount of time it takes to bulk up varies from person to person. If you’re new to strength training, you may notice the changes quicker than someone who’s been working out for a while. For most people, a bulking period lasts around three months which is why it’s important to eat and train consistently to gain muscle and to lift heavier weights.
What Does a Bulking Diet Look Like?
The first step when bulking is to look at your nutrition as you’ll need to be at a caloric surplus. Start by eating until you’re full at every meal and if you’ve finished your meal and are still a bit hungry, eat more. You can also add one more serving to your meals.