Sounds dreamy, right?

Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

Without a caloric surplus andadequate protein intake, your muscle-building efforts in the gym may be futile.

fitness man working out with TRX straps, concept of how to gain muscle without gaining fat

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Well, eating in a caloric surplus is a double-edged sword.

Consume more calories (but not too much).

Your body requires a substantial amount of energy to build muscle.

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This eating habit will targetmuscle growthwhile keeping a trim figure.

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Focus on the intensity of your workouts.

This sentiment rings especially true for building muscle while avoiding fat gain.

woman strength training with dumbbells at the gym, how to gain muscle mass without gaining fat

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Instead,maintain consistency with your workouts, rest, recovery, and nutrition to optimize muscle gains.

Adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

The most effective strategy for any health or fitness goal is to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

Also, prioritize sleep by consistently getting the minimum recommended seven hours every night.