ou want a better physique, but you don’t want to take any dangerous shortcuts to get there. That’s an incredibly smart decision. While those who try to accelerate the muscle building process via the use of illicit products may make progress faster than those who go natural, the results are rarely long-lived and almost always invite significant health risks. If you want to get a better body the right way, it makes sense to build muscle the natural way.

But how do you build muscle naturally? What proven techniques can utilize to develop muscle mass? As you’d probably guess, there are many options at your disposal. In fact, it’s not an exaggeration to say that there are more hints and tips detailing ways to build muscle naturally than you’ll ever be able to try. Which of those many strategies is really likely to produce great results?

Obviously, different people respond to various efforts to build natural muscle in different ways. A certain technique may leave your neighbor looking and feeling like a million bucks while doing very little to push you into more muscular territory. That being said, there are some general principles that seem to show almost everyone how to build muscle. Natural, common-sense techniques like these should be part of everyone’s muscle building plans.

First, diet is critical. Many folks who are looking for that ideal body become focused on workouts and supplements at the expense of considering diet. If you’re trying to gain muscle mass, you need a high-energy diet that’s rich in lower-fat protein sources. Keep eating the fish, chicken, and (very, very) lean beef. Do what your mom told you–eat those vegetables! And while carbohydrates may be an enemy to those looking to get rail thin, grains and legumes are a bodybuilder’s friends.

Second, develop a smart schedule. Don’t let your desire for maximum muscle push you in the wrong direction. Too many people actually approach their workouts too aggressively when they’re in hot pursuit of more muscle mass. If you want those muscles to grow and strengthen, rest is just as important ass activity. Give your self necessary days off and don’t always lift until you can barely move. This is about strengthening your body by pushing it forward, but that doesn’t mean you need to kill yourself seven days a week. That just doesn’t work.

Third, don’t make your comebacks too quickly. If you get hurt, you can’t pretend as if everything’s fine and dandy. You’re going to need some off time. Give yourself what you need for real recuperation. If you try to come back from an injury too quickly, you’ll prolong healing times while risking additional injury. On top of that, the body naturally tries to compensate for injuries by using other muscles. Your workouts won’t be doing the same thing when undertaken during a period of injury.

If you want to learn how to build muscle naturally, start with these three core principles. They’re a solid foundation from which you and your plans can advance.

Related posts:

1. 5 Ways to Build Muscle Naturally
2. Gain Muscle and Lose Weight Naturally–for Free!
3. How to Gain Weight Naturally