Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Building Muscle: What Really Works

November 12, 2025

When it comes to building muscle, there's more to it than just lifting weights. It's a combination of smart training, proper nutrition, and recovery that delivers real, lasting results. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through a plateau, here's what you need to know to maximize your muscle growth.

  1. Train With Purpose

Muscle growth (also known as hypertrophy) happens when your muscles are challenged and forced to adapt. Focus on progressive overload - gradually increasing the weight, reps, or intensity of your workouts. Compound exercises like squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and pull-ups recruit multiple muscle groups and are essential for gaining strength and size.

Pro Tip: Aim for 3-5 sets of 8-12 reps per exercise, with a focus on controlled, high-quality reps.

  1. Fuel Your Muscles

Muscle building doesn't happen without the right fuel. You need a balanced diet rich in:

  • Protein - Essential for muscle repair and growth. Aim for 1g of protein per pound of body weight daily.
  • Carbohydrates - Your body's main energy source for intense workouts.
  • Healthy Fats - Support hormone function and overall recovery.

Supplements like Turkesterone, Creatine and Protein Powder can help boost your performance, recovery, and muscle protein synthesis when combined with a solid nutrition plan.

  1. Prioritize Recovery

Growth happens outside the gym - while you rest. Make sure you're getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, staying hydrated, and taking rest days to let your muscles rebuild stronger than before.

  1. Consistency Is Everything

Results don't happen overnight. The key to building muscle is staying consistent with your workouts, nutrition, and recovery over time. Track your progress and celebrate small wins along the way.

Ready to Build Muscle the Right Way?

At Detroit Strong, we combine personalized training programs, expert nutrition guidance, and science-backed supplements to help you transform your physique. Whether your goal is lean muscle, strength, or performance we've got the tools to help you get there.

Start your muscle-building journey today - because strength starts with commitment.

Book your free Body Composition Assessment for personal training or download the Detroit Strong App for online coaching today.