If you are an enthusiastic gym-goer, you probably have dreamed of getting that Arnold Schwarzenegger-like body at some point. Or maybe you have been wanting to witness your muscles grow right before your eyes after giving your all in your weight training, even just temporarily. If so, then a muscle pump just might be it for you.
What is it and how does it happen? How long does a muscle pump last? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about pumps to help you get your muscles working.
How Long Do Muscle Pumps Last?
Muscle Pump is a phenomenon where your muscles increase in size and definition (or more pumped up) for a short period of time after an intense session of weight training.
This temporary gain, in most cases, lasts not more than 30 minutes. Depending on the training that you did or the weight you lifted, it can last for 2-3 hours but there is no training you can do to make it last for a whole day.
Pumps do not happen after every training session. It comes with a correct understanding of how it works and the right training approach in order to achieve that temporary growth.
Why Muscle Pumps Don't Last Long
Muscle pumps are about the accumulation of fluids in your muscles, particularly water and blood, as you work your muscles against resistance.
When you exercise, your muscles require more oxygen and nutrients to perform. To meet this demand, your heart pumps more and blood rushes to your working muscles.
Meanwhile, lactic acid builds up as it draws water into your muscle fibers which creates fatigue and burning.
Together, lactic acid buildup and increased blood flow cause individual muscle cells to enlarge, giving the impression that your muscles are bigger while you exercise.
Sometime after a workout, you will start noticing the growth diminish as your muscles will ultimately stop pumping due to the decreased need for oxygen and nutrients. Your heart rate and blood flow will return to normal as your body begins to recover from the workout.
How to Get Muscle Pumps?
It is possible to get a muscle pump with any type of exercise that increases blood circulation to your muscles, but the most effective way is to do high-volume resistance training. This means more reps and sets with shorter rest periods instead of lifting more load. The more contraction your muscles make, the more reason for your body to pump fluids.
Another good way to get a good muscle pump is by utilizing trisets which involve doing three exercises back-to-back. This is an effective way to increase your volume and decrease your resting period, which can produce a significant pump in your muscles.
And of course, remember to keep yourself hydrated before and during your workout. Muscle pumps are about fluid accumulation and having enough water in your body will give your muscles enough to pump with.
Does a muscle pump help you build muscle?
Hypertrophy is a term especially popular among athletes and avid gym-goers. It is the biological process of the increase/growth of muscle cells. This leads to an increase in muscle size and is achieved through exercise.
In the fitness world, a muscle pump is also known as "Transient Hypertrophy" because, as the term suggests, it is a temporary growth of the muscles. While it makes you feel stronger and fitter, it does not actually help you build your muscles and will go as fast as they come.
If you're looking to gain muscle strength and size that is long-lasting, hypertrophy training is the better and more effective option.
Conclusion
While the effects of a muscle pump do not last long, it can definitely be a great addition to your routine as a source of fun and temporary growth and definition of your muscles. With the right kind of training, you can get the pump intensity that you want.
Hi, I’m Kevin Harris and my interest in bodybuilding began when I first saw Arnold Schwarzenegger wielding a sword on-screen as ‘Conan the Barbarian’. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be all that I could be, and that I wanted to be like Arnold. As soon as the movie finished, I joined my first gym.
Nothing in life is easy, but the lessons that I’ve learned from the time that I’ve spent lifting weights and pushing myself in the gym have served me well - that’s why I want to share them with you.
I want you to be the best version of yourself that you can be, and I hope that my site will help to inspire you to reach that goal and meet every challenge that you encounter head-on.
Thanks for spending some time on my site and with me, and maybe one day we can spot each other while we’re reaching for perfection.
