How To Grow Muscle Mass For Skinny Guys
Written by Eric Carpenter
It can be a daunting task for a skinny guy with a high metabolism to learn how to grow muscle mass. After all, a high metabolism will likely eat away most of the nutrients that the body takes in and use them for other biological processes other than building muscle. This provides a huge barrier for skinny guys who are trying to build muscle mass who have a high metabolism as they have to supply their body with enough nutrients to feed both their muscles and their speedy metabolism. However, this can be done if gone about in the right way. First, you need a large supply of calories from the right types of food. Next, you need to lift for size and forget about endurance. Last of all, you will will want to be sure that you get the maximum hours of sleep to allow your body to recover fully.
Everybody knows or at least has probably heard before that eating right is the number one key to growing muscle no matter who you. When it comes to skinny guys it is important to develop a diet that is very high not only calories, but the proper type of calories. Calories should come primarily from proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It is recommended that someone with a high metabolism consume at least 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight. It doesn't stop at protein though as you need a large supply of carbohydrates and fats as well. Without the addition of carbohydrates and fats you will not be able to gain serious muscle mass if you are skinny.
The next important part and critical factor in learning how to grow muscle mass as a skinny guy is learning how to properly work out for size. Going to the gym and doing a standard work out found in a magazine will not yield a skinny guy the results that he wants. Most workouts are centered around medium to high reps with medium to low weights. A skinny guy should focus solely on low reps with high amounts of weight. You should be able to lift no more than 6 to 8 reps of any particular weight for a particular exercise. This is the type of lifting that grows serious muscle mass.
The most underrated aspect of getting big for skinny guy is rest. Getting the proper amount of sleep each and every night is critical to allowing your body to recover to its fullest. Sleep is when your body repairs the muscles that have been broken down from weightlifting. It is also the time in which your body converts all of the proteins you consumed into muscle. If you are not getting at least eight hours of sleep every night then you are shortchanging yourself in the muscle gains department. I highly recommend getting on a great sleep schedule so that you will be able to develop a routine that you are able to follow each and every day. This will keep you on track for your eating/supplementing, weightlifting, and recovery via asleep.
Article author
About the Author
Further reading
Further Reading
Article
How Spiral Movement Develops Whole-Body Coordination in Tai Chi
The article explains how spiral movement in Chen-style Tai Chi connects the whole body, improving coordination, balance, and movement efficiency. Through continuous movement and weight shifting, practitioners learn to move the body as one connected system rather than as separate parts.
October 7, 2026
Article
Why Slant Board Training Deserves a Place in Your Mobility Routine
A slant board is a simple tool that can make lower-body mobility and strength work more consistent. Learn how heel elevation changes common movements, seven practical exercises to try, and the form cues that help you progress safely.
September 29, 2026
Article
The Real Reason Your Diet Isn't "Sticking" (It's Not About Discipline)
September 17, 2026
Article
Gym Etiquette in Cincinnati: A Beginner’s Guide to Hygiene and Courtesy
Learn the essential gym etiquette rules every beginner should know, from personal hygiene and cleaning equipment to respecting shared spaces. Follow these simple tips to make every workout safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone.
September 14, 2026