Eat a combination of carbs and protein about 2 hours before you exercise and immediately afterwards can, over time, increase your strength by up to 25%.
Take a protein drink as soon as you've finished a workout. Protein repairs muscle damage and actually helps build muscle. You don't need to buy expensive sports drinks; add a heaped dessert spoon of whey protein powder to a large glass of skimmed milk.
Mix your exercise methods. Burn fat at the same time as making muscle. Get up to three 40 minute sessions a week. Combine aerobics and weights.
Upper body muscle development requires movement of weights slowly and carefully. Go for six seconds lifting and a further six seconds lowering and repeat six times.
A study in Oklahoma found that men who took a 30 second break between sets gained 6% more strength than those who rested for 90 seconds.
Calf muscles generally seem to respond better to reps than weights.
Establish good body-building routines.
source: adapted from 'double your strength', menshealth.co.uk
