Research investigating lean muscle gain over the course of a month is limited,2 but experts suggest that most healthy individuals can gain 1 to 2 pounds of lean muscle mass per month. However, this rate varies based on age, sex, physical condition, genetics, diet quality, and of course, training program.
In most cases, gaining muscle is a slow, gradual process, and it can take years rather than months to see sizeable results. That said, beginners and some intermediate lifters may be able to see small changes after just a few months of intense training.
Stuart Phillips, Ph. D., who has conducted many of these studies at McMaster University in Ontario, says he expects the average subject to gain 4 to 7 pounds of muscle in three months.
In just 10 weeks, or around two to three months, it's possible to see a 3-pound increase in lean muscle weight after routine training, according to a study published in ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal in August 2015.
5 Pounds - It will take you about three months to build your first 5 pounds of muscle. That's not a long time at all, and will have a noticeable impact on your physique. 10 Pounds - After 7 months in the gym you will have built a approximately 10 total pounds of mass.
Following the above approach, a person might gain an average of about 15 pounds (6.8 kg) over 6 months eating approximately 500 additional calories daily. This slower approach would help prioritize gaining muscle ( 4 ).
For most gaining 1/2 pound of weight a week represents a fairly quick rate of healthy weight gain. And for some, especially women the rate of muscle gain may be even slower (1). At this rate, the average person can gain roughly 25 pounds of muscle in a year.
Research investigating lean muscle gain over the course of a month is limited,2 but experts suggest that most healthy individuals can gain 1 to 2 pounds of lean muscle mass per month. However, this rate varies based on age, sex, physical condition, genetics, diet quality, and of course, training program.
For most beginners, gaining 2-4lbs of muscle per month is a realistic rate of muscle gain. More advanced lifters should aim to gain 1-2lbs of muscle per month, as research has shown slower rates of muscle gain the more advanced a lifter becomes.
To effective gain 20 pounds of muscle, increase your calorie intake by at least 200 calories per day, as recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Increasing your energy intake by 500 calories per day will help you gain muscle at a faster pace.
Gaining 20 pounds of muscle in three months is possible, but takes meticulous planning and nutrition. In fact, strongman Jonathan Lawson was able to gain 20 pounds of muscle and lose body fat at the same time in only 10 weeks. Not only is it possible, but you can do it without the use of steroids or supplements.
However, with consistency and dedication, it is possible to make significant muscle gain in 3 months. For example, if someone starts lifting weights three times a week and eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, they could expect to see noticeable muscle growth within three months.
You can gain up to 12-15lbs (6.8kg) of muscle in 3-4 months when closely following a researched program. (Afterward, muscle gains slow drastically.) These results are achievable for every healthy man and woman.
Most beginners will see noticeable muscle growth within eight weeks, while more experienced lifters will see changes in three to four weeks. Most individuals gain one to two pounds of lean muscle per month with the right strength training and nutrition plan.
Through weightlifting exercises, you may be able to put an inch of muscle on your biceps in a week. You may be able to gain another inch in two weeks, but soon your body will plateau and you won't see that kind of growth every week.
In general terms, a person at a reasonable level of fitness will start to see changes after two months of serious strength training, and results should be clearly visible after four. For a truly ripped physique, most people need a minimum of one year's hard work.
Under optimal conditions, you'll most likely be able to put on 1-2 pounds of muscle per month.
Those who have been training for less than a year can actually expect to see large increases in muscle size. In fact, from Schoenfeld's experience, it's not unusual for a novice lifter to gain 15 or more pounds of muscle over the initial six-month training period.
Depending on the person, the average individual can put on between a half a pound and 2 pounds of muscle mass per month. Keeping this rate in mind, it would take a normal individual 15 to 60 months to gain 30 pounds of muscle.
The only person with the ability to potentially gain 18-20 pounds of muscle in a year is a gym newbie—someone who's never lifted weights or trained before. Why? Their genetic muscular potential hasn't been activated yet. In other words, they haven't even approached their greatest gains.
Fighters eat foods that are high in carbohydrates, proteins, and salts. They will also drink a large amount of water, carb-rich drinks, or even liquid calories from mass gainer shakes.
A bulking phase can last anywhere from 1 month to over 6 months or longer, depending on your goals. To start bulking, add a given number of calories to your typical daily calorie intake.
This process is often known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Muscle soreness is related to muscle damage, which can promote, but is not required for, muscle growth. In a nutshell, unless your goal is to feel sore, then you don't need to be sore after every workout.