Put some damn clothes on!
(At least if you’re trying to build muscle.)
People (especially guys) trying to gain muscle need to embrace “sweater weather.”
In other words, use the cold weather as incentive to add a little bulk to their frame, even if it comes with a TEMPORARY loss in muscle definition and (gasp!) a less aesthetic look.
It would seem like a no brainer, especially considering:
- It’s difficult for non-mutants to add an appreciable amount of muscle to a mature physique;
- A sustained calorie surplus is required (sorry bio-hackers, though do keep blogging about how every big guy is wrong and you’re right, it’s compelling);
- Any lifter with a dash of discipline can drop 5-10 pounds of “fast fat” (fat you acquire over a relatively short period) in a month or two at most. A small price to pay for perhaps very noticeable improvements to your physique.
None of this new. But what IS relatively new are the underpinnings for why this is even an issue.
Some people HAVE to stay very lean for a living, as their livelihood depends on it. Professional bodybuilders, physique models, and dudes who jump out of cakes at parties come to mind.
But even pro bodybuilders will try to carve out a little off-season as they know how important it is for both improving their physique and maintaining sanity.
Ever talk to someone who has done multiple shows in a row? They can’t wait for it be over so they can get back to the gym and actually make gains. And eat.
Physique models may have a more sustainable look than competitive bodybuilders but most aren’t 100% camera ready all year either, unless their work requires them to be. And then they’re not improving.
As to whether cake-jumpers have an off-season, I’m not sure. I’ll have to check with the National Cake-Jumpers Union.
So if those who get paid to be lean see an off-season as essential, what’s with so many folks stuck in Team Gen-Pop acting like they’re neck-deep in the contest circuit?
I blame social media and the thirst for likes and external validation.
People are so driven to be “at their peak” every waking moment that they fail to put in the necessary hours under wraps, quietly busting their ass to build something that’s eventually worth “peaking.”
Many “influencers” do make good money off being in shape. But most don’t. And the one’s that do developed the foundation of their notable physiques during periods when they weren’t photographing themselves 12 times a day.
So while many influencers have “day in the life” videos and photo-journeys with plenty of baked chicken, broccoli, and duck eggs (and duck-face), what’s really important are the 5, 10, or 20 years of training and eating before the documentary started filming.
Link in my bio for 10% off duck eggs.