It is easy to imagine that as we lift weights in the gym, sweat pouring out, fully focused on coming to terms with those difficult sets, which our muscles are growing with every repetition that we grind out.
Yes, lifting weights with a progressive overload most certainly sets the stage for muscle growth. What is often overlooked is that our muscles grow when they are at rest. Working out results in micro tears to our muscles. It is during periods of rest when they heal and subsequently grow. Muscles can grow even from 48 to 72 hours after a workout has been completed.
Which now brings us to the important subject of getting adequate sleep in order to not only grow muscle, but live a fit and healthy lifestyle. Every night, at the end of the day when all has been said and done, we retire to our beds and recharge our tired and drained bodies. As for the correct amount of sleep we need, this may vary from person to person. This may fall anywhere between six and nine hours. The key here is to wake up invigorated and refreshed, ready to take on the challenges of the day. Yes, your workout included. Waking up groggy, as if we have not gotten enough rest, is a sure sign of suboptimal sleep.
If our smartphones have to recharge to be able to properly function the next day, so do our bodies. Sleep helps enhance muscle recovery and growth hormone release. If we are to improve our body composition for the better, getting adequate sleep ought to be part of our fitness regimen.
You have the proper diet and exercise program on point. This has to be complemented by restful sleep on a daily basis. The lack of sleep carries several health risks including a weakened immune system. This means we are more likely to get sick. And getting sick means missing workouts, and our fitness regimen getting side-tracked.
One important tip to getting quality sleep is to try to stick to a fixed sleep schedule every day. Simply put, try as best as you can to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Even on weekends. Once our bodies get used to a schedule, like clockwork, it is able to anticipate bedtime, and when it is time to get up. It thus programs itself for a quality, restful sleep.
Train, eat, sleep and grow. The importance of quality sleep in living a healthy lifestyle and in growing muscle should never be underestimated.
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