The closer martial artists get to a fight, the more important it becomes to be on point with the weight they want and need to be at. The risk of being too heavy is that you’re not going to fight at all because you’re above the limit and therefore disqualified. Another risk of being too heavy is that you have developed enough muscle but your agility hasn’t caught up and the punches that you’re going to be throwing will be simply too slow. 

So how does a martial artist balance this muscle versus weight question? Regardless of your weight category, you want to have as much muscle as possible in order to be as strong as possible. Yet, you also want to maintain your flexibility. The answer: smart muscle building. 

Muscle building is a complex process that requires a combination of strength training and proper nutrition. The right nutrition can provide the building blocks needed to repair and grow muscle tissue after intense workouts. But the wrong nutrition has the ability to actually work against you.

XXL Nutrition has been working hard to develop a range of supplements that are specifically designed to help martial artists fulfil their potential by giving them the right nutritional foundation and peace of mind that they can go all out. It’s not for nothing that martial artists such Tayfun Özcan, Ilias Bulaid, Mohamed Monteur El Mesbahi and many others are trusted ambassadors of the brand. 

XXL Nutrition understands that navigating the world of supplements can be overwhelming sometimes. So in this article, Warrior Code and XXL Nutrition have teamed up to unwire the knot that is called nutritional supplements and zoom in specifically on those products that can help you effectively build the right sort of muscle. 

Protein

Protein is the foundation of muscle building nutrition. Protein provides the essential amino acids needed to repair and grow muscle tissue. The recommended daily protein intake for muscle building is 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and plant-based sources such as beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an essential source of energy for muscle building. Carbohydrates provide the energy needed to fuel intense workouts and support muscle recovery. Good sources of carbohydrates include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. It is recommended to consume complex carbohydrates that are high in fiber, as they provide sustained energy and help to regulate blood sugar levels.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are essential for muscle building as they provide energy and support hormone production. Hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone are important for muscle building and require healthy fats to be produced. Good sources of healthy fats include nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, and fatty fish such as salmon.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are important for muscle building as they support muscle function, repair, and growth. Good sources of micronutrients include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. It is important to consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are getting a wide range of micronutrients.

Hydration

Hydration is essential for muscle building as it supports muscle function and recovery. Water is the best source of hydration, and it is recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. During intense workouts, it is important to drink water and electrolyte-rich beverages to replace fluids lost through sweat.

For XXL's full offering of nutrition and drinks click here.

Proper nutrition is essential for muscle building. A diet rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and micronutrients can provide the building blocks needed to repair and grow muscle tissue. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and consume a variety of foods to ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients your body needs. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated to support muscle function and recovery. Combining proper nutrition with strength training can help you achieve your muscle-building goals.