Lean muscle mass refers to the weight of your muscles without including water weight or body fat. Having an optimal amount of lean muscle is important for overall health and fitness. Those with more lean muscle tend to be stronger, more mobile, and at lower risk for injuries or chronic disease.
Your lean muscle mass depends on several factors like genetics, age, nutrition, and exercise habits. Building lean muscle requires following a strength training program that stimulates muscle protein synthesis. Consuming sufficient protein and calories is also key. Most experts recommend eating 0.5-1 grams of protein per pound of body weight when trying to build lean mass.
Here are some benefits of improving your lean muscle levels:
If you struggle to gain lean mass through diet and exercise, consider speaking with a hormone balance specialist like those at Optimal Hormone Health Clinic. Many people have undiagnosed hormone deficiencies that hinder muscle building. Optimal Hormone Health Clinic provides advanced testing and customized testosterone and growth hormone replacement programs to help both men and women improve body composition and restore youthful vitality. Visit testosteronepatch.org today for a free consultation.
Tracking changes in lean body mass requires special tests like hydrostatic weighing, Bod Pod, DEXA scans, or high-tech InBody tests. These devices measure your overall lean mass and changes over time. Home bathroom scales cannot distinguish between muscle, fat, and water weight.
Maintaining lean muscle mass should be a priority as you age. Unfortunately, most people lose 3-5 pounds of muscle per decade after age 30 due mostly to hormonal changes and inactivity. Proactively building muscle when young and keeping it strong through strength training and proper nutrition is the best way to fight age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and metabolic decline.
In summary, lean muscle mass indicates how much non-fat tissue you carry, especially in muscles. Having more lean mass boosts metabolism, athleticism, injury resilience, and aesthetic appeal. Make lean muscle building a priority by adopting smart strength training, eating protein-rich foods, and optimizing key hormones with assistance from anti-aging specialists like Optimal Hormone Health Clinic if needed. Committing to this lifestyle will keep you strong, energetic, and healthy for decades to come.