Research

Mixed

Achieving a sex-specific high lean-mass profile is significantly associated with a combination of moderate-to-high training load, high recovery status, and adequate protein intake.

To maximize your lean mass, you need to hit the 'sweet spot' of training: high enough to stimulate growth, but not so high that you can't recover. Ensure you are eating enough protein (~1.75 g/kg) and sleeping well. It is the combination of these factors that predicts the best physique.

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Recovery status, training load within the favorable range, training experience, and protein intake were associated with greater odds of a sex-specific high lean-mass profile.
Muhammad Shariful Islan et al. · Qubahan Journal of Coaching and Sports Sciences · 2022

Why this rating

Logistic regression with significant odds ratios for key predictors.

Source

Associations Between Weekly Training Load, Recovery Status, and Lean Body Mass in Amateur Bodybuilders

Muhammad Shariful Islan et al. · Qubahan Journal of Coaching and Sports Sciences · 2022

cross_sectional · n=240
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