14 Things You Should Know About Building Muscle | Bulking Tips

[@MikeThurston]

1. You Need To Be In A Calorie Surplus - 0:22 2. There Is An Upper Limit To The Rate Of Muscle Gain - 0:30 3. Quality Of Nutrition Is Important - 1:04 4. Take Advantage Of Increased Training Volume - 1:28 5. Gradually Transition From A Cut To A Bulk- 1:55 6. Rate Of Weight Gain Should Determine How Much/Often You Should Increase Calorie Intake - 2:26 7. Reduce Cardio/Energy Expenditure If Weight Gain Is Difficult (Prioritise Hypertrophy Sessions) - 3:09 8. Length Of Bulk Determined By Body Fat % - 3:31 9. Bulking Should Be Cyclical - 3:56 10. Rate Of Muscle Gain Will Be Different For Beginner & Advanced Trainers - 4:35 11. Choose Calorie Dense Foods If You're Struggling To Meet Caloire Requirements - 5:16 12. Finding An Approach Which Works For You - 5:51 13. Genetics - 6:11 14. Have Patience, Be Consistent & Enjoy The Journey - 6:54

[@gramrastag]

Mike Thurston ✊✊✊✊✊✊✊ Love You Broseph!!! 💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

[@davidtherealthomas1773]

Mike Thurston can you explain what can an older an expect. I'm in.my 40's. From what I know, z man my age can't expect the same in bulking as a younger man.

[@Rameezation]

Can we bulk and cut at Sametime?

[@brandonbandstra226]

Mike Thurston thank you for the time breakdown. You are ahead of the game. So much appreciate this

[@jackbrady9738]

Mike Thurston so much respect for spending time to do a summary. I screenshot this and I’ll remind myself of this in future. Thanks so much for your help bro you’re probably top 3 of the best explainers of fitness cheers

[@ZanarGaming]

Best channel for tips on bodybuilding, fitness, exercises, diets

[@orangelinedevil2]

Seeing you here is strange.

[@pokeyerface]

Roids...

[@andremp03]

One of the few videos that makes bulking, crystal clear to understand

[@james4454]

Can’t thank you enough for the time you put in creating these videos mike. Really helps me with achieving my fitness goals.

[@JustJohnny666]

3:01 i died. Screaming and pointing middle finger on the scale hahahaha. Bet some people here can relate. Once again Mike delivers quality information and funny bits into a great video. Keep up the good work. Cheers mate!

[@JasonOliverDK]

Hey Mike! Ive train for like 10 years and then stopped for two years ago since i got a serious Girlfriend/relationship and finished a BA Education Which took a lot of my energy. Now i lost everything and started all over again for a month ago. And last week i found your videos by accident and i must say... Your videos gives me motivation so much! Thank you and keep doing these :-) You are awesome!

[@shakochachanidze6333]

Mike its first time I decided to write a comment on your Video, cause I feel like it is totally important to appreciate everything you do for people who love and care about their healthy lifestyle... I've found your channel about 6 months ago and it has totally changed my attitude towards numerous details which are immensely vital for building a perfect body. You have mentioned to try and find a way to enjoy the process, and believe me, your videos are key motivation for me (and thousands like me) to enjoy the process and never stop progressing. Thanks for everything you do for us and best of luck!

[@TheHumanBodyTalk]

💯💯💯

[@TheCatalystCode]

All of your videos are so relaxing and informating it's amazing. Keep it up.

[@justinlewis7575]

Another quality vid Mike! Straightforward and factual. It was really helpful to see your progress from 16 onwards. Puts it all in perspective and hopefully puts an end to the debate about whether you are natural or not. Clearly you have great genetics and also have worked consistently hard for 10 years. Cheers mate!

[@Bevzthejcs]

"Find a way to enjoy the journey" - absolutely spot on advice! I'm a new subscriber and enjoying the content. thank you!

[@Lonewolf0301]

This video is gold for people like me who r into their first year of body building. The magic word and key here is - "PATIENCE" which we all lack. Rightly said..no one is gonna be Arnold overnight.. patience is key.. Thanks Mike keep rocking. . Love from India..🤩 Small request.. please make a video on - how to overcome from gym injuries.. and what precautions to take.. m Already suffering frm 2.

[@scottend5239]

"...They can go out there, eat CRAP" *cuts to Mattdoesfitness stuffing a thousand doughnuts in his mouth*. haha

[@omp365]

the only thing more impressive than matts physique is his ability to horse truckloads of shite food!

[@pokeyerface]

@@omp365 because of roids:)

[@Tomblom]

Nice timing on this video! Going off a cut at the end of the month and going on my first bulk ever. Been going in and out of the gym for years now, but this time I'm committed to stay in the gym and get in the best shape of my life. Learned so much from watching your videos! Thanks Mike!

[@redline870]

Despite all the haters that get in these comments just talking about “steroid this” and “steroid that”, I still think this is one of the best, most well informed, and most well put together fitness channels on KZbin. Even if he was taking steroids, do you really think that physique is easy to obtain? Are you fucking nuts?! That’s countless hours of busting ass in the gym and a crazy strict diet. Mike- I just want you to know, a lot of people appreciate the content you put out. It definitely helps a lot of us out and inspires us to get off our asses and hit the gym. I’m still new to this so my calorie counting and eating habits leave a lot to be desired, but your workout videos have truly helped me out in the beginning stages, so thank you for the effort 🙏!

[@fulltimecampers9299]

Great info. "Enjoy the journey" is absolutely the best advice you can get! NOTHING happens fast. Not cutting and not bulking. You have to enjoy the journey. When you fall in love with the fitness journey, you can reach your goals!

[@adelfahem8526]

Honestly you are the best the realist and the most who put that knowledge and motivation to help others. BIG BIG THANKS 👏 just keep what you're doing you are doing a great job

[@alexs2627]

Truly one of the best on KZbin. I wish everything was explained with such clarity out there.

[@TrickyE]

Your videos are unbelievable. No BS, great information and fantastic examples for every concept discussed. Thank you so much.

[@LEVIAHAN]

Bro WTF! were you born with muscles too or something? Anyway, cant believe this advice is free. Most simplistic explanation ever.

[@SuperFlawless2010]

ROFLMAO. Everyone is born with muscles :D :D :D. You probably meant Mesomorphic bodytype.

[@JustenHarden]

3:00 lmaooo. Another great video, Mike. Much appreciated

[@skurai]

Haven't been working out these past two years, but I'll be back soon!! Glad to see u still killing it bro!! ❤️

[@jaysjourney369]

I watch a LOT of fitness/bodybuilding chanels on here but this vid has just hit me hard, I've hit a training plateu and just can't work out why my body looks in less shape now than it did in the first 6 months of training, thank you mike definitely one of my favourite subscribed to channels keep up the good content mate

[@ProjectGamerYT]

One of the few weight lifting channels that provides consistent knowledge without any bullshit

[@dilipreddy97]

Michael, you do a very good job at breaking things down and I am honestly surprised as to how you're not more popular. A very informative video. Inspiring. Thank you! Keep it up. :)

[@weswilson7401]

"find a way to enjoy the journey" that's probably the best advice I've ever heard.

[@aza3262]

Mate, one of my favourite fitness youtubers out there. always on point with explanations and you seem genuine in your approach top helping others. Keep up the great work, will keep watching your vids for motivation for sure!

[@SonofZeusGOW]

You're the man Mike! Thank you for the wonderful information. :)

[@broo5647]

Thanks for your videos. My preteen son watches and I really appreciate that you seem to keep your videos clean. Also very helpful. Thanks

[@robertpham6683]

I like your visual graphs, great way to get the message clear

[@danw8012]

Enjoy the journey. Best advice ever. Loving the channel, best wishes from Australia

[@RanHarasaki]

Love your channel man. Thanks for being so personable when so many fitness bros aren't.

[@james4454]

Shout out to Matt in this video lmao

[@feel32own]

Matt is such a lucky bastard, cutting with 6k calories god damn it

[@ethanol111]

Always quality info from the Thurstonator. So right about the time frame yes you'll see changes at start but not till my third year untill things started popping out left right and center. As you get more advanced you gotta take it to next level constantly too. All about angles and time under tension and hitting all range of motion for me. That's what gets me most growth.

[@noremacbeez]

Thanks for the pep talk Mike... I needed to be reminded of a few things mentioned in this one! Awesome free instruction man!!!!

[@davemonk1662]

Just started mikes training program advanced. Been training 10 years plus but need to clean diet up tab would recommend mike program to everyone 👍

[@JustJohnny666]

Dave monk Monk Cleaning services yeah wish i had the money. Mike's my no.1 bodybuilder and a bodybuilder youtuber, i'd kill for a chance to meet him.

[@davemonk1662]

Jovica Jovcic jump on his program watch his videos... it would be cool to train with some like mike for year or 2 pick his brains and learn everything of him diets Traning ect ect but we can all educate ourselves with videos and everything else there’s guys put on here. 👍🇬🇧Liverpool

[@JustJohnny666]

Dave monk Monk Cleaning services wish i could mate. I have to work 2 months with no expenses just to have a 1 month subscription. This is just a dream at the moment. But untill then i'm going to watch every single of Mike's videos and rewatch all of them again 🤙

[@sxyqt3.14]

great video as always. Eat calorie surplus, take minicuts, keep at it dont give up

[@MrMusiclive123]

Can you do a video explaining how “ the strength curves “ work ? And what exercises are best to use when looking to strengthen the muscle in different ways ??

[@samandkiera]

So much knowledge delivered perfectly as well! Class video as ever, didn't have to pause anything this time currently watching it in the bath - no homo

[@samandkiera]

essenceofman sure am xoxox

[@MarqJimmy]

Sam Coates nice response 😂😂😂

[@kai6234]

Absolute legend. Love your content and your knowledge about training is incredible.

[@jameswoodall9261]

Didn't think I'd need to subscribe to another channel but here I am. Now it's you, Shreded Sports and Athlean X. SS sent me here.

[@junkinng9706]

Mike, can you elaborate on 4:29 and explain to what extent a high body fat % would be less efficient in building muscle? I am currently towards the end of my bulking phase with 3 weeks to go but my body fat % is for sure higher than 15 now. I extended my bulk hoping to put on a month's worth of extra muscle mass hopefully? Is this a bad strategy since "building muscle would be less efficient" when body fat % is high? Thanks.

[@JoshHolliss]

Clear concise, straight to the point. Great video mate

[@JemelonPlays]

Great video mate, straight to the point, exactly what the title says. Very helpful

[@stang123able]

I'm going to do the Matt Bulk. I do believe your right about how much more beneficial a clean bulk vs a dirty bulk is. But I'm at the point now where i need 4k calories a day to put on weight and I'm not a big eater to begin with. All clean sources of carbs are getting completely disgusting now. I have a fast metabolism and do well with intermittent fasting so cutting is easy for me. Bulking is a serious commitment for me. Great video as always.

[@Ownyx]

Brent C Lenny and Larry cookies are great for extra calories 😁. 400 a cookie and made outta decent shit

[@FuturoXnovio]

Hey mike, I seen results watching your videos mate. And doing it the right way. Thanks mate.

[@Jim-wp5qx]

Your channel has helped me in the gym so much love your videos

[@regulus123]

Brilliant video! Very simple & informative.

[@lexaryion2794]

Plz keep up the good work man! Your channel is great and so helpfull! You a legend!

[@martingagg3110]

great video. i have seen you on the matt does fitness videos (which i really like) several times now and i find your information here really good.

[@Martinmqrck]

This video was the tip of the iceberg for me. I have been cutting for 5 months now and as summer is coming to an end, I think it is time to grind out the leanbulk again.

Martinmqrck i feel you bro. Even though it is not 5 months I'm starting to get nervous consuming around 2200-2000 kcal per day. I will probably cut aggresively for two more weeks. Good luck

[@Martinmqrck]

I am/was down to 2100 calories being 190 CM and probably around 8-9% bodyfat. It is just so controversial as I feel my workouts don't give me any progression anymore and of course being tired ALOT.

Martinmqrck take creatine if you are not taking it, it really helps.

[@Martinmqrck]

Thanks for the tip :) I have been taking it for a long time now. I hope your cut & future bulk goes well.

Martinmqrck I am 188cm, I know the struggle lol. Tnx, cheers.

[@VentureAHighway]

Thank you for another helpful and motivating video. Your lifestyle is inspirational to many

[@chrishomer]

EXCELLENT advice mate, thanks! Much needed over here...! 💪

[@GK-2253]

Awesome video as usual Mike!!! Thank you. You’ve changed my gym experience and improved it 💯

[@Danceisdope]

Lmfaooo i love how when you said there’s just “those people that can eat like crap and build muscle” and the whole time it’s clips of @mattdoesfitness playing

[@Deffine]

The epitome of genetics, right here. Such a developed chest at 19, damn...

[@ConorSantry]

Loved the progress pics towards the end! 😄👍

[@nathangibbs711]

This is one of your better videos !

[@claytonloringnhti]

Awesome summary Mike

[@Strider2931]

Thank you so much Mike Great video!

[@Kumurajiva]

These are all great insights and advices. Thanks,

[@SuperNish35supersquad]

Thank you for getting straight to the point rather than endorsing some stupid product!

[@harbinger8035]

Good video... no bs and straight to the point 👍🏼

[@greshammillett1890]

Sweet video Mike full of answers great work 👍

[@bernardca]

Thanks man. Your videos are very informative - this one is very helpful in particular!

[@brettwatkins7338]

Great tips mike, enjoying your videos mate👍 keep them coming bud👊

[@mxiastate5629]

Say it louder for the people in the back “ it doesnt take months but years!” Now i feel better- i had an expectation of growing fast but I am glad its a slower journey

[@Oak432]

Honestly Mike, you are not in the fitness, you ARE the fitness

[@natez999]

I wish I could like this video more than once. Awesome video !!!

[@alabbasiesam]

Thanks a lot for all that information.

[@calop002]

Good stuff mate!!

[@incrediblefitness2836]

Always great information when I watch your stuff keep coming up with that content

[@soulwrither1]

thanks for the video! it helped a lot since first time i watched it!

[@A1M8E7]

Comments on every Mike Thurston video: “You’re the best fitness channel on youtube, so informative” (favourited by Mike) “Most tanned guy in the world” (favourited by Mike) “Guys anyone can look like Mike naturally with hard work! (favourited by Mike) “Why don’t you ever talk about steroids? Are you on any cycles” (Ignored by Mike 100% of the time)

[@MikeThurston]

Æ 😂 if I replied and got into arguments with every person who accused me of taking steroids I would literally get nothing done.

[@housinauthority5258]

Mike Thurston just mention the anavar then 😉

[@HongFeiBai]

Mike's not on steroids. He eats healthy, exercises a lot, does not have bloated abs, and is natural.

[@aldinoindra2742]

@@HongFeiBai agreed 100%... The amount of snowflakes on the comment section is over the roof that even the gym-goer that have been training for like a months (?) or so feeling like as if they're already pushing their body to the max even though in reality they're still nowhere near their own personal physical limits and they tend to blame their genetics or making excuse that everyones that bigger than him is on steroids... They probably didn't even have the mentally of what it takes to build a something that amazing or extraordinary or rare that are only the minority would reach due to the high chance of unstable mental disorder that distend alot in this milenial age that are caused by you know, social media suh as Instagram....

[@aldinoindra2742]

@@HongFeiBai Mike even said that he train a fucking 10 years with no on or off season except on vacation or when sick (hopefully not alot) on a weekly basis and yet these typical gym rats or gym-goer that probably have been training for like months to a year or two at best just disrespect Mike while they just probably doing a bunch of curls and isolation exerise and eat trash food....

[@davidthesmiler]

Love for the video g💯

[@richardwilson57]

Years! ........ years....... one word to take away....... I’m only 9months in .......... thanks Mike...... good to know this is a marathon and not a sprint 🔥x

[@TheUnholy1994]

thats exactly what i needed to know. cheers !

[@personalbest7805]

Really good video Mike. Thanks

[@saifallahayyad4521]

Great video man thanks for the advice 🙏👊

[@zaviercadorin6244]

I thought you could be at a slight calorie deficit and still be able to put on muscle mass. As long as your getting in enough to as much protein as possible?

[@tahianarn6785]

this man is very informative

[@thijstolhuis8853]

thanks for this wonderful information 🏋🏼‍♂️

[@diomidistsou5896]

mike can you make a video about how exactly would you bulk then minicut and then transist to bulk again for a beginner?

[@timmytab2836]

What the hell. Uve clearly got some gifted muscle building genetics. U probably gained more muscle in one year than I have in the last 5 years training.

[@spencerosei2616]

keep up the good work bro!

[@billycoughlin8970]

Love your vids bro

[@redline870]

Damn dude you must have some crazy genetics, you were shredded at 16-18 years old!

[@rs9130]

How to address the stomach bloating when bulking using shakes

[@BolatSerkan]

You always deliver high quality videos. Thank you. Btw, in the last videos, content (talk, images) started to flow too fast to follow. I needed to rewind several times...

[@everpresent5508]

Just subbed, great video with good info and clear explanations. Thank you!

[@bat4481]

Top notch. Thank you Sir.

[@dankdose2607]

1:30...When i get to the weight racks at 20:00 PM sharp and my lifting partner is not there yet

[@Bristolmeth]

3:01 snippet of mike flipping off the scales hahaha

[@cquints8723]

Such an inspiration. What's your thoughts on mass gainer as an option to gain weight?..

[@simongrynnerup735]

Without any adds? What a guy

[@vinnidaniel]

Hi Mike, after a period of lean bulk let's say with a 300 cal surplus, I do the minicut phase, and drop maybe 300-500 cals for 3-4 weeks to lose some bodyfat, after that when i have to grow the cals to be again in a surplus for a lean bulk, this should be progressively? eg: +100cals/week until reached the certain cals to be in a small surplus?

[@sandspyder]

Hi Mike, I just started the first phase of your workout plan. The Aflete app is incredible. What I love is how I can record the weight used so I know how much to increase for next session.Two days done! Very pumped and motivated. Question: When I finish phase 2 of the program, how do I continue? Do I just repeat phase 2, each time adding more and more weight intensity? What's the correct approach to keep growing? Thank you! Aamir

[@sparxies]

I would add that although it may be "ideal" to be in a calorie surplus for most people to gain muscle, not everyone needs to be in one to do the same. I'm currently eating between 300 and 500 calorie deficit daily (and have been for 6 months) and am gaining muscle. I've dropped 4.5kg so far, yet my arms, chest, thighs, neck, calves are all getting bigger (consistently measured each month), my waist and stomach measurements are the only things getting smaller. Food for thought.

[@ferlou2373]

JJ Sparx but you were fat to begin with, weren’t you?

[@ferlou2373]

Not meant as an offence..

[@ashyd6]

The bit of advice I'd not heard before is that muscle is harder to put on if you have a higher body fat percentage. As someone who's starting my bulking phase at around the 15% mark, this is a little worrying but at the same time useful to know! Does anyone know any studies to which support the claim?

[@20Mony09]

Love your videos

[@johnmakaay101]

Hello Mike, like your video. i want to ask. when should stop cutting and switch to bulking?