181. How to Build Muscle in 2026 (A Simple Guide for Busy Adults)

How can you actually build muscle when you're balancing work, kids, and a busy schedule? In this episode, I break down the simple principles that matter most when your goal is building muscle. We'll cover training intensity, Reps in Reserve (RIR), workout frequency, exercise selection, progressive overload, and how to structure workouts that fit into real life — not bodybuilding routines. If you've ever wondered whether you're lifting heavy enough, training often enough, or doing the "right" exercises, this episode will give you a practical framework that removes the guesswork and helps you focus on what actually drives muscle growth. This is Part 2 of my muscle-building series. In the next episode, we'll dive into nutrition and recovery so you can learn how to support your muscle-building efforts outside the gym. ---------- Learn about 1-on-1 online fitness coaching » https://chrisgatesfitness.com/coaching/ ---------- Get my FREE Calorie Calculator » https://chrisgatesfitness.com/newsletter-2/