The ripped physique of a bodybuilder is something we all dream of. Even if the ripped physique isn't your ultimate goal, you probably would like to build some lean muscle mass. Lifting weights is part of the process but it takes more than just exercise to create a lean, muscular body. There are a few ways to help support the formation of lean body mass. And best of all, most of them take very little effort.

The way you eat your meals can have a big impact on your bodybuilding results. In fact, it can be almost as important as what you actually eat. Research has suggested that replacing the typical breakfast, lunch and dinner with several smaller and more frequent meals can actually help in converting excess fat into lean muscle mass. This is because small meals help keep a constant blood sugar. They also prevent tying up all of your energy digesting a heavy meal. That's more energy you can devote to building muscle.

High protein diets are recommended for building muscle. Protein supplements are one way to get a lot more protein. For most people though, they're really not needed. You can get plenty of protein simply by eating lean, low-fat sources of protein at every meal. These lean proteins include meats like pork, fish and poultry and eggs. Soy is another popular source of protein, but some research suggests that it may affect the levels of several hormones. This could negatively impact muscle gain. Avoid high-fat sources of protein like red meat as they can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.

Another helpful tip for building more muscle is to use a mineral supplement. Research has shown that magnesium and zinc both assist in quicker muscle recovery after a workout. Taking a supplement of magnesium and zinc will help you recover from weight lifting faster and allow you to get more benefit from your workout. Additionally, magnesium is necessary for building strong bones. Weightlifting also assists in building stronger bones because strong bones provide a foundation for muscle to build upon. Taking a liquid mineral supplement of magnesium and zinc will make the minerals most readily available for use by your muscles.

Finally, it is important during and after your workouts to stay well hydrated. Staying well hydrated takes more than simply drinking water. The liquids in our body are a carefully balanced solution of water and minerals. Many of these minerals are lost to sweat. Drinking water with electrolytes added will help replace these minerals. Avoid sports drinks, however. They often contain a lot of unnecessary sugar. Staying hydrated helps your body move the needed nutrients to your muscles and remove waste products which can lead to soreness.

Building muscle is hard work. Whether you're a dedicated bodybuilder or just trying to benefit from some extra toning, there are things you can do to support your efforts that will improve your muscle gain. Things like eating more often, eating more protein and keeping properly hydrated will help you body build muscle. Liquid mineral supplements containing zinc and magnesium can also improve your ability to build muscle by assisting in recovery from exercise and strengthening the bones that form the foundation for your muscles.