Most people believe that the only way to build muscle is to put in countless hours of strength training. And while that’s certainly a key factor, it’s not the only factor. Here are my five favorite ways to boost muscle growth outside of the gym. Some of my favorite protein-rich foods include grass-fed beef, lentils, wild-caught fish, beans, and free-range organic eggs. These foods don’t just feed your muscles, they’re loaded with health benefits of their own. In addition to eating enough protein, adding more calories from veggies, fruits, and healthy fats will help you feel better throughout the day and ensure your muscles are getting the amount of nutrients they need to keep growing. While the amount of sleep each person needs varies, aiming for a minimum of seven hours a night is a safe choice. And while more Americans than ever are suffering from insomnia and other sleep disorders, the good news is that there are plenty of all-natural ways to fall asleep fast. Bonus: It’s terrific for digestion and the gut, too. And instead of spending a whole day cooking a pot of broth, bone broth protein provides the same muscle-boosting health benefits in an easy-to-use powder. Add it to smoothies and sauces, or just mix with warm water and sip it on its own. For strength training, the rule of thumb is to train each large muscle group two to three times a week, ideally leaving 48 hours between sessions. On rest days, activities like yoga or foam rolling will help you stretch and assist in your muscles’ recovery and rebuilding. It’s time to try this at-home bone-broth recipe, in honor of your muscles.
